Fikum Tikum
The Fikum or Tikam is a large engraved gold lipped oyster shell worn somewhere at the waist, in front or one of the sides by men of the head hunting Bontoc tribe of the Northern Luzon, Philippines. The shell is engraved around the edge with geometric designs (locally a design called minamais - corn designs) derived from tattooing and has large coconut shell discs in the center, front and back (no coconut shell on the back). Like the stunning shell necklace of the Ifugao's in Mayaoyao this is its counterpart - a high status symbol ornament which is only owned by a few men of the Bontoc tribe and usually reserved for special occasions. Reference: “Form & Splendor” by Roberto Maramba, pp 60 – 65.
Type of Object: Bontoc high status waist ornament
Local Terms: Fikum. Tikam
Ethnic Group: Bontoc ( Igorots or Cordillerans) of Northern Luzon Philippines
Country of Origin: Philippines
Materials: Mother-of-pearl shell, coconut shell
Dimensions: 9 in( 23 cm) x 7 in (18 cm)
Overall Condition: Used, Very Good
