Southeast Asia, Philippines, Luzon, Ifugao, ca. early 20th century CE. A woven rattan, bamboo, palm fiber headhunter's basket known as an inabnutan from the Ifugao tribe in northern Luzon. Dark woven bamboo and rattan fibers with coarse grass-like palms fronds covering on one side and woven cords on the other for wearing like a pack, the basket area protected between the hairy outer panel and the wearer's back. The palm fibers would also repel rainwater to keep the wearer and contents dry. One of the most remote regions of all the Philippines, this area of Luzon has long been associated with headhunting with evidence this practice continued well into the middle of the 20th century. On the way from the village the basket carried provisions for the journey and on the way back it carried gruesome trophies. Rare and a bit on the macabre side, but equally fascinating! Size: 19" W x 23" H (48.3 cm x 58.4 cm)

For a similar example see the Fowler Museum at UCLA website, accession number: X82.1524.

Provenance: private Camarillo, California, USA collection, acquired prior to 1986

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#163519

Intact and very good. Minor surface abrasions and chipping of black pigments.