Congratulations Charles!
This is indeed a Kalinga status and ceremonial piece. In the past I had been saying that this is a datu piece, but since then I have discovered that this type belongs to great warriors of note. The designs are based on body tattoos (that are earned through head hunting and deeds). Such a person might even be a leader or pangat, but decisions are made by a counsel of pangats, unlike the datu in the south.
The Bontoc, et al, also hold similar practices when it comes to this type of head axe.
A very prestigious piece.
|