Tinagtagu
LOCAL NAME:
Tinagtagu
ENGLISH NAME:
Coffin Lock
DESCRIPTION:
A wooden coffin lock carved in the image of a seated anthropomorphic figure. The Ibaloy refers to it as bagal while it is called tinagtagu (human-like) by the Kankana-ey. It is also noted that more than two coffin pegs are used in one coffin.
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Benguet, Mountain Province
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Wood
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
Woodcarving
DIMENSIONS:
Height:
29.5 cm
Base Length:
5 cm
Width:
3.5 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
RESEARCH DATA:
The Cordillera region was once home to a widespread ancient practice of interring bodies in wooden coffins. Deceased individuals were laid to rest using woven mats and textiles, as well as various types of hollowed-out containers such as wooden coffins and large tree trunks. These coffins were placed in caves, rock shelters, eaves of houses, or elevated areas. The coffins and their receptacles were often adorned with intricate decorations featuring geometric, zoomorphic, and anthropomorphic motifs. According to Camte-Bahni (2018), coffins were typically crafted from pine wood and assembled using wooden pegs instead of metal nails, to prevent discomfort to the deceased caused by metal piercing the bones.
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