Punamhan

Description

Punamhan — a collectible item from our curated catalog. Part of the Philippine Tribal Arts catalog (Zen Images) (1 photo available) — condition and provenance details to be confirmed by seller.

History & Background:
This is an authentic Punamhan (pronounced pun-amahan), a ritual priest's box used by Ifugao mombaki (native priests) to hold the magic substances used in rituals connected to the rice harvest and planting cycle. The boxes are typically rectangular and, according to Ifugao custom, traditionally never leave the rice granary except when brought out during harvest time. Inside such a box are commonly found items like feathers, small stones, betel nuts, and other ritual materials used in the ceremony. The Punamhan is closely tied to the bulul (rice god carvings) that share the granary with it, and its use was considered part of the sacred cycle of asking the gods and spirits for a bountiful harvest.