Philippine Kankanay Brass Pipe w/ Chain

Description

A finely worked diminutive pipe dating to around 1910. These exceptional pipes were produced in Kankanay villages at the turn of the century. One village would make pipe bowls while another would make the stems. The brass bowl is decorated with dot patterns and spiraling circles. Collection numbers on the bowl read " L187 86 " A forged iron pipe cleaner is attached with nice quality brass chain. The stem is decorated with coiled brass wire and bands of woven rattan with an iron mouth piece. All pieces appear to be original. On page 154 of "Marks of Civilization" by Arnold Rubin, a Tattooed kalinga man can be seen wearing a similar pipe in his hair as an ornament with the long chain contouring his face!

Origin: Northern Luzon, Kankanay tribe