Carved Wood Philippine Igorot Skull w/ Old Label

Description

Here's a very interesting piece. Yet, there is not a lot known about this carved wooden skull and I have researched which ethnic group made it and why. It could represent an ancestor that was killed in a headhunting raid who lost their head? A substitute wooden skull may have been required in these cases for a proper burial as dictated by the village shaman. The stylized human skull is carved of a light color hardwood and has bold features. It has a dry varied patina which has darker semi-encrusted areas. It retains an old label on the back which reads: igorot ancestor head, gift jon walker, may 1934 . It is presented on a custom metal display stand. In good condition with a somewhat eroded surface with some old white paint smudges.

Origin: Philippines, Northern Luzon