Pangalapang
LOCAL NAME:
Pangalapang
ENGLISH NAME:
Shell ornament for neck
DESCRIPTION:
A neck ornament crafted from four flat trapezoidal shell segments, meticulously etched with intricate patterns. These shell cuts, sourced from the Pinctada maxima, are drilled with two holes each to link them seamlessly to a braided and corded rattan fiber adorned with half-split cowrie shells.
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Ifugao
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Mother-of-pearl shells, Rattan, Cowrie shells
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
Braiding, Etching
DIMENSIONS:
Diameter: 19 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
RESEARCH DATA:
Known as the pangalapang, this neck ornament stands out as one of the most captivating accessories in the Cordilleras. Historically, pangalapang was prevalent in the eastern region of the Ifugao province, particularly around Mayoyao.
The primary purpose of the pangalapang is to signify elevated social status. Its production involves the use of large mother-of-pearl shells, which were scarce and exclusive to the upper class. The intricate and labor-intensive processes, from grinding and drilling to polishing, made the ornament accessible only to the elite and affluent Ifugaos (Maramba, 1998). The collar is meticulously assembled with half-split cowries and corded rattan fiber, with the mother-of-pearl shells intricately attached.
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