RESEARCH DATA:

In Abra, necklaces are not limited to beads made from shells, minerals, stones, or glass. Some incorporate metal beads called samfufok (Jimenez & Sabado, 2017), made from melted or forged brass, silver, or gold coins and crafted through the intricate process of filigree work. These designs often feature motifs influenced by the Christian faith and Southeast Asian ornamentation (Newman, 1977), and are also referred to as tambourine jewelry, tamborin, or tambor. Thin metal strips are braided, twisted, or coiled to create delicate patterns, mimicking relics, religious icons, and floral motifs. Valued equally, tamborin beads and pendants were also believed to repel malicious spirits (Villegas, 1999).