A large, polished mother of pearl shell diss called ‘Fikum’ or ‘Kalibi’ with typical, black, geometric incised decorations along the outer rim. Such large mother of pearl-discs (from the ‘gold-lipped oyster’) were only worn on special occasions and festivals as a status symbol on belts by high level, outstanding warriors of the Bontoc of northern Luzon, the north island of the Philippines. Its decoration is reminiscent of textiles and tattoos.
Materials: Mother of pearl and natural fibers.
20th century.
Dimensions: 17 x 17 cm
Provenance: Spanish private collection
Literature:
“Ceintures ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2004, p. 213
“Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 203
“Power and gold: jewelry from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines”, Rodgers, Susan, Presteg Verlag, Geneve, 1988, p. 310-11
P2730
