RESEARCH DATA:

This is a ritual bowl with the carved kinahu, which means in the shape of a dog (ahu). The ahu holds significance as it is associated with the hunter god. The symbolic representation of the dog serves as a protector for men during hunting, as well as being used for animal sacrifices in sorcery rituals, believed to be particularly potent against enemies.

REFERENCES:

Anderson, Eric M., et al. (2010). In the Shape of Tradition: Indigenous Art of Northern Philippines. Leiden: Zwartenkot Art Books.