scalping

Removal of the scalp and hair from an enemy as a trophy. Scalping is usually associated with American Indian peoples, although it was relatively uncommon among them until the Spanish, French, English, and Dutch colonial authorities began offering bounties for the scalps of American Indian enemies. This led to a dramatic increase in the practice among the eastern ethnic groups in the 1700s. American frontiersmen and soldiers later spread the practice westwards.

Scalps were usually taken from dead enemies, although the Plains Indians, such as the Sioux, generally preferred to scalp live victims. Scalps were taken as trophies, to achieve honour, as a ritual sacrifice, and to achieve status as a warrior. Scalping was also practised by the Scythians, Celts, Teutons, and some South American American Indians.