RESEARCH DATA:

This beadwork, restrung by Patis Tesoro, is inspired by traditional Kalinga necklaces. Symmetrically arranged, banded brown agate beads, called adiongan or adjongan, dominate the upper part, while blue, green, and yellow beads form the centerpiece. The adiongan is one of the most valuable Kalinga beads, distinguished by its black or brown color with a white base (Abellera 1981, 168). It is alternated with bright, disk-like yellow beads called bácao, positioned between two small, opaque, rounded orange beads. At the centerpiece, another variant of banded agate beads appears, complemented by blue, yellow, and green beads. The tradition of combining bright and dark beads in Kalinga necklaces is an observed practice, creating symmetry and balance.