DepartmentTextiles-Asia
Fikum
NameHip Ornament
Artist
Artist not recorded
CultureBontoc
Date20th century
Place madeNorthern Luzon island, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE, Philippines, Asia, Southeast Asia
MediumMother-of-pearl bi-valve shell, cut and polished coconut shell, rattan cording, ink/pigment
Dimensions9 × 9 1/4 × 1 3/4 in. (22.86 × 23.495 × 4.445 cm)
Credit LineGift of Earl & Shari Kessler
Object numberA.2024.11.3
Collections
Provenancepurchased from dealers, public markets, and artists while living in Asia primarily in the 1990s
DescriptionA rounded bivalve (or mother of pearl) that has thin etched designs around the outer edges. Designs have diamonds, triangles, and zigzags.Fig. 9.27, pg. 199
The Art and Tradition of Beadwork, Dressing for Festive Occasions section
“Bontoc men wore these highly prized giant mother-of-pearl bivalve shell ornaments at their waists, either in front or on their hip, only for ceremonial occasions. The inside rim of the shell is etched with designs drawn from tattoo and textile patterns and a piece of coconut shell is mounted in the center.”
Fig. 9.27, pg. 199
The Art and Tradition of Beadwork, Dressing for Festive Occasions section
“Bontoc men wore these highly prized giant mother-of-pearl bivalve shell ornaments at their waists, either in front or on their hip, only for ceremonial occasions. The inside rim of the shell is etched with designs drawn from tattoo and textile patterns and a piece of coconut shell is mounted in the center.”
c. 1950
