RESEARCH DATA:

Certain bu’tong, or Ifugao hip bags, are equipped not only with cotton handles but also with brass or copper fittings collectively referred to as lidi’ngan. The lidi’ngan comprises two components: (1) the takda’ng, an overarching wire ring, and (2) the doyo’m, a series of coils positioned at the bottom of the handle (Lambrecht, 1958). Possession of such bags with this handle was traditionally associated with the affluent class, serving as tangible markers of wealth and prestige. Beyond their role as status symbols, the lidi’ngan also functioned as counterweights, stabilizing the bag when tucked between the wearer’s hips and lower garment (Fanged, 2018).