Crossword Genius

South Carolina mounts western trophies (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scalps

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'western trophies' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'south carolina mounts' is the wordplay.
'south carolina' becomes 'sc'.
'mounts' becomes 'alps' (alp is a kind of mount).
'sc'+'alps'='SCALPS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scalps that I've seen before include "Skins from top of heads" , "Hirsute trophies taken in battle by early native Americans" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.