The iron additions are probably of American soldier items (perhaps the iron innerwork of military verhicletires??) which they got hold of -including the nails- and added to the shield to protect it extra from the sides from blows of headaxes.
Although the South Kalinga's and Bontocs have lots in (cultural) common, they are also since early times (headhunting/killing) enemies from eachother.
I suppose these additions were done AFTER the actual manufacture of the shield? They are in any way certainly very practical in the sense of warfare and actual war-use of the shield.
Glad to help
(I'l look up n post a picture of a South Kalinga which is stored in my other comp. soon)
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