Sipatal (a)
LOCAL NAME:
Sipatal (a)
ENGLISH NAME:
Isnag chest ornament
DESCRIPTION:
A chest ornament featuring two rows of butterfly-shaped shell pendants, each culminating in a triangular shell. The string connecting the butterfly-shaped pendants consists of beads in black, red, white, and yellow hues, securely fastened to another triangular shell at the top. This upper shell forms a choker-like beadwork. Additionally, the two triangular shells at the end of each row boast intricate bead embellishments and delicate shell tassels.
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Isnag, Apayao
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Beads, Fiber threads, Mother-of-pearl shells
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
Beadwork, Shellwork
DIMENSIONS:
Pendant
Length: 31 cm
Choker
Diameter: 15 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
RESEARCH DATA:
Known as sipatal or sipattal (Maramba, 1998), alternatively referred to as sipital or kilkilang (Anderson, 2010), this Isnag chest adornment is prevalent in the province of Apayao. Worn by men, women, and children, sipatal consists of butterfly-shaped pendants, known as bissin or bisin, and a beaded collar named sipatal. Notably, the butterfly-shaped pendants bear a striking resemblance to the pawisak or bawisak, the shell earrings commonly worn by the Kalinga and Ga’dang communities. Functioning as a festive accessory, sipatal is reserved for special occasions in the vibrant attire of the Isnags (Maramba, 1998).
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