RESEARCH DATA:

A Kalinga heirloom bead necklace featuring translucent Prussian blue glass beads. Locally known as bitug, these beads are of Venetian origin and are commonly associated with rituals and ceremonies following the birth of a child. A mandadawak, or priestess, ties the necklace around an infant’s neck as protection against evil spirits (Abellera, 1981). These necklaces are also worn by baby boys a few months old to ensure they grow strong and in good health (Abellera, 1981). Beads were not only symbols of prestige, wealth, and beauty but were also believed to possess supernatural powers. They are also used to mark life cycle events such as birth and early childhood among others (Maramba, 1998).