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.

More information on the blog Supplementing Literature Back to room view