Tabayag
LOCAL NAME:
Tabayag
ENGLISH NAME:
Lime container
DESCRIPTION:
A group of lime containers called tabayag (also called tafayag) are found in Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province.
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Bamboo, Wood, Beads
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
Woodcarving
DIMENSIONS:
A. 24.1
Height:
10.5 cm
Diameter:
2.7 cm
B. 24.2
Height:
10.5 cm
C. 24.3
Height:
13.5 cm
Diameter:
2.8 cm
D. 24.4
Height:
8 cm
E. 24. 5
Height:
8 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
RESEARCH DATA:
The tabayag, also known as a lime container, is a small tube that interconnects with a hollow cane using a receptacle. Tabayag can be crafted from various materials such as fine woven rattan and nito fibers, animal bone, wood, coconut shell, animal horn, and even animal scrotum. They are considered highly personal belongings due to their constant handling and close proximity to the human body. These lime containers are typically used alongside the chewing of momma (areca nut), which is a customary practice in certain parts of the Cordillera Region. Areca nuts and hapid (betel leaves) were traditionally stored in a small basket and carried by men in their biltong (hip bag). Given the powdery and grainy nature of slaked lime (nganga), this essential substance was carried in specially made containers known as tabayag. According to Quintos (2006), lime containers are often adorned with zoomorphic or anthropomorphic figures, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of mostly unknown artisans.
REFERENCES: