"Fikum Tikum" Etched Mother of Pearl and Coconut shell Philippine Button"

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...
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$ 550.00

Decorative Objects

Out of stock

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: 11 in( 28 cm) x 9 in (23 cm)

Overall Condition: Used, Very Good

 

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