Isneg Apayao Igorot Philippines chest / neck mother-of-pearl ornament \"Sipattal\"

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Isneg Apayao Igorot Philippines chest / neck mother-of-pearl ornament \"Sipattal\":
$195.00

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A beaded neck- chest shell ornament locally known as \"sipattal\" from the Isneg people of Northern Luzon, Philippines circa 1950

It is considered one of the most beautiful tribal ornaments of the Cordillerans, worn only by the Isneg tribe of northern Apayao, This is considered the most important piece of personal adornment worn by men and women alike.

This sipattal is composed of black, yellow, and red tiny beads separated by dividers made from water buffalo horn. Twine of braided strings joins the two ends to a triangular mother-of-pearl piece, from this apex hang four rows of mother-of-pearl sections in butterfly-like forms ( each about 1.35 inches across) dangle. Each row ends with a smaller version of the triangular shell apex. each of these triangles culminate in a fringe of of cut shell \"tassels\". (Ref. Roberto Maramba - Form and Splendor)

\"The Isneg have combined shell ornaments of this type [with winged pendants], along with triangular shell shapes and beads to form the sipattal, perhaps the single most striking example of jewelry found on the Cordillera. Worn suspended from on the chest or less frequently down the back, from a beaded collar, these neck pieces are reserved for special occasions when they are donned by both men and women.\" (Ref: The People and Art of the Philippines)

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Isneg Apayao Igorot Philippines chest / neck mother-of-pearl ornament \"Sipattal\":
$195.00