Bontoc Wooden Kupit Box with Old Labels

Description

This elegant lidded "saddle" shape box called a "Kupit" was used for carrying rice and other food to the fields for lunch. This example has a relief-carved pierced lug on each side of the lid and two pierced holes on its base where a rattan carrying strap would have been laced through. Most kupits were made of woven rattan and had "nested" compartments which could be used for tobacco supplies, matches, other items or valuables. What makes this one special is its made of a beautiful wood. More importantly, it retains its original descriptive sales tag and label! Amazingly this information tells us the the owner's name ( Bid-ing ), the selling price ( $2.00 ), etc. This box was likely offered for sale during the American Occupation from 1899-1902. In excellent condition with no mends or repairs. A photo of a Bontoc Male carrying a "Kupit" can be seen below and is taken from page 127 figure 4.22 "Basketry of the Luzon Cordillera, Philippines", the UCLA Fowler Museum.

Origin: Northern Luzon, Bontoc tribe, Ambawan Mountain Province
Period: Late 19th- Very Early 20th Century
Materials: Red Hardwood with Tiger Gain