Bontoc Ifugao headhunter armband "Tangkil" - Igorot Northern Luzon Philippines

Description

Bontoc headhunter armband "Tangkil"
c.a early 20th century
Shiny dark patina, double tusk armband
H 5.5" D (inner) 3.75" W 1.25"
"For the Bontoc the tangkil was almost exclusively connected with headhunting ceremonies, dances and sacrifices. As in the crocodile or boar's tusk necklace, called Boaya, which the Bontoc warrior wore together with the pair of tangkil, the use of boar's tusks was reputed to impart some sort of sympathetic magic. The tusks empowered the wearer with the strength, speed, endurance and ferocity of a wild boar.
The Bontoc headhunter, in full regalia, created the vision of half-man, half-wild animal. A complete ceremonial outfit would include the boar's tusk armlets decorated with tassels of human hair, a boar's tusk necklace, strings of agate beads - all against a backdrop of tattooed skin. Feathered plumes and fresh wild flowers were worn on the head and head axes were stuck into ceremonial G-strings. So dressed, the warrior, dancing to the mesmerizing beat of the gong, embodied the mythic, supernatural creature that would take an enemy head and bring it back triumphantly to his village."
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