Ifugao Wood, Rattan & Pig Tusk Armband (Baningal or Abkil)

The Bontoc and Ifugao peoples of northern Luzon wore armbands such as this example constructed from two pairs of wild pig (sus philippensis) tusks, held together with rattan, and mounted by a carved wooden figure of a seated man topped with what is probably human hair.

They were worn on a warrior’s forearm and were associated with headhunting, and certainly conquest. Possibly, the hair attached to the armband was taken from an enemy head. Most probably, the carved figure began life as a handle on a wooden spoon or ladle. Such figurative spoons were used by the Ifugao and Bontoc for ritual purposes. The spoons were handled on a daily basis and were kept in an open basket above the hearth in the family home. Such handling and storage accounts for the patina that many of such spoons developed.

The spoons were regarded as heirloom items and imbued with talismanic properties. Accordingly, warriors, when attacking and raiding rival villages, would take the spoons among other ‘war’ booty, and would cut off the figurative handles from the spoons and attach them to armbands such as the example here, or wore them as charms.

The arm band is in fine condition and with a patina suggesting significant age.