RESEARCH DATA:

This Ilongot flat-bowled ladle features a handle adorned with detailed carvings, engravings, and embellishments, including horse hair, dog teeth, a button, brass wires, and brass plates. Brass materials are often used to embellish Ilongot adornments, and their use can be described as elaborate, with these materials possibly being locally produced and specifically modified to cater to the desired designs or structures of the objects being created. This ladle from the collection has brass plates fittingly attached to the wooden handle, featuring circular and dot engravings. It also showcases Ilongot carving designs, such as the three prongs commonly featured on their traditional shields. The two side prongs are embellished with brass plates and coils, along with dog teeth, while the middle prong is adorned with brown horse hair. A white button is affixed to the body of the middle prong.