Philippine Priest's Magic Box, Ifugao

Description

A rare and unusual type of "Punamhan" Ritual Priest's box with archaic seated figure. Dating from 1900 to 1910, the container appears to be carved of very hard Narra wood. Part of the figure's torso is hollowed out which would have contained magic ingredients with a lidded cover (now missing). In its later years the figure was kept inside and used as a protective house guardian figure. It has acquired a blacked and somewhat encrusted dry patina from ceremonial use. A related example can be seen on page 152 of "Arts of the South Seas" The Collections of the Musee Barbier-Mueller, Copyright 1999 (See the Photos Below)

Origin: N. Luzon, Kankanay People