top of page

Sillot/Bongor

LOCAL NAME:

Sillot/Bongor

ENGLISH NAME:

Bead necklace

DESCRIPTION:

A single-strand, choker-style bead necklace featuring Prussian blue beads, yellow mosaic beads, and brass beads

COMMONLY USED BY/IN:

Abra, Tinguian, Itneg, Kalinga

MATERIAL COMPOSITION:

Brass, Cotton threads, Beads

ITEM CONSTRUCTION:

Beadwork

DIMENSIONS:

Length
15 cm

ACQUISITION YEAR:

2021

RESEARCH DATA:

A choker-style bead necklace featuring multiple 19th-century yellow mosaic millefiori glass beads, complemented by Prussian blue beads and brass beads. The mosaic (campig) and Prussian blue beads (bitug) are considered heirlooms of the Kalinga (Abellera, 1981), while the brass beads (samfufok) are traditionally associated with the Itneg or Tinguian. By incorporating heirloom beads from both the Kalinga and Tinguian communities, this restrung piece by Patis Tesoro beautifully integrates their artistic heritage.
Mosaic glass beads are distinguished by their vibrant, candy-like appearance. They are crafted by fusing multicolored glass canes or rods and wrapping them onto another glass sheet, creating intricate mosaic patterns. This glassmaking technique is believed to have originated in Western Asia and was later perfected and reintroduced by Venetian glassmakers (Dubin, 2009).

REFERENCES:

Abellera, B. (1981). The Heirloom Beads of Lubo, Kalinga-Apayao. Unpublished PhD Dissertation. University of the Philippines Diliman.


Dubin, L. S. (2009). The Worldwide History of Beads (Revised ed.). Thames & Hudson.

bottom of page