Woven Bontoc Bachelors Hat, Luzon

Description

A flamboyant and Superb hat dating to the early 20th cetnury, presented on a custom metal display stand! Over the years, I've had several of these hats, but this one is by far the best. This hat was an important part of everyday attire in the Bontoc Province. It would have been worn by a young man on the back of his head to indicate his eligible bachelor status. Its main function however was to act as a receptacle for his personal items like tobacco, pipe, beetle nut, matches and flint. Without question, the presence of the brass military button on top would have elevated the prestige of its owner. Made of woven rattan, Pigs tusks, Dog Teeth, a feather, woven cloth string, red dye/paint, 1 brass, World War I American Army button. In very good condition, showing obvious wear and use with a mellow patina. A similar example of a Bachelor's hat, can be see on page 48 of "Form and Splendor" by Roberto Maramba, Copyright 1998.

Origin: Northern Luzon, Bontoc tribe