Sillot (d)
LOCAL NAME:
Sillot (d)
ENGLISH NAME:
Itneg bead necklace
DESCRIPTION:
A single-strand sillot that reaches the upper torso, composed of carnelian, silver, agate, and glass beads
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Abra, Tinguian, Itneg
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Beads, Silver, Cotton threads
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
Beadwork
DIMENSIONS:
Length
52 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
RESEARCH DATA:
Elegantly and symmetrically configured, this sillot rests on the upper torso when worn. It features a large tubular carnelian centerpiece, flanked by yellow and orange glass beads, as well as honey-colored agates known as asi (Jimenez & Sabado, 2017). Notably, it also incorporates silver beads of varying designs, crafted through the intricate technique of filigree work. These silver beads, called samfufok, are also known as tambor or tambourine jewelry. Tambor beads were made from a variety of metals, including silver, brass, and gold.
Crafted from melted or forged coins, these beads serve as historical evidence of the trade networks that once linked Abra and Ilocos, introducing influences from Spanish colonialism and Catholicism. The designs include elaborate details reminiscent of Christian motifs and relics, as well as floral patterns believed to have originated from Southeast Asia (Villegas, 1999).
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