Hip decoration “fikum”
Object | Hip decoration „fikum“ |
Culture | Bontoc, central-northern region of Luzon |
Time | 20th century |
Dimensions | Diameter approx. 19.50 cm |
Material |
Shell disc ( Pinctada fucata ) engraved with geometrical patternsVisible side with tortoiseshell button, backside with wooden button and held together by a string |
This mother-of-pearl shell disc is decorated with the typical black coloured geometric incised decoration along the outer rim. The disc is perforated in the middle and has a tortoise shell button on the front and a wooden button on the back.
These discs of gold oysters were only worn on the belt as a status symbol on special occasions and celebrations by high-ranking, deserved warriors of the Bontok, in the north of Luzon, the northern island of the Philippines.
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