Northern Luzon Bontoc Kupit Rattan Purses

Description

A pair of tight woven Men's "saddle" shape rattan basketry bags called "Kupits". These are old examples and date to the early 20th century. These normally have multiple shaped pieces that fit snugly together creating separate compartments which were used for carrying rice and other food to the fields for lunch. Other "nested" compartments might be used for tobacco supplies, matches, other items or valuable. Each one is covered which effectively made it waterproof. Each of these bags appear to be missing their various smaller compartments which might be expected on old ones like these. The smaller bag is unique for its especially compact size and replacement cloth handle. A photo of a Bontoc Male carrying a "Kupit" can be seen below and is from page 127 figure 4.22 "Basketry of the Luzon Cordillera, Philippines", the UCLA Fowler Museum.

Origin: Northern Luzon, Bontoc tribe