Antique 'Tankil' Tusk Armlet, Bontoc Tribe, Phillipines

An armlet known as a 'tankil', formed from a pair of wild boar tusks with a carved wooden figure depicting a bulul (rice guardian), seated with arms crossed, bound and secured with plaited rattan, designed to be worn around the bicep, dating to the late 19th or early 20th Century.

Such armlets were worn by warriors of the Bontoc and Ifugao tribes (Northern Luzon, Phillipines) on the forearm and are traditionally associated with headhunting and martial achievement, serving as potent symbols of conquest and prowess. Upon reaching the age of initiation a young man is required to undertake a solitary journey into the mountains to hunt a wild pig, the tusks of which are used to fashion an armlet. Demonstrating exceptional bravery by killing two pigs entitles him to an armlet with four tusks—a distinction otherwise reserved for nobles, who may obtain the second pair of tusks through purchase. Only after completing this rite may the young man participate in a head-taking expedition. The sex of his first victim determines the form of a carved wooden figure affixed to his tankil: a female figure if the victim is a woman, and a male figure if the victim is a man.

Measurements: 12cm figure height x 11cm total diameter x 8cm internal armlet diameter.

Condition: The armlet is in good condition, with patina and wear commensurate with its age.

Provenance: From the collection of Veronica and Dr Christopher Hazzard.

References: Afable, P., et al, Philippines: an Archipelago of Exchange, ACTES SUD/ Musee du Quai Branly, 2013.
Gomez-Garcia, P., ‘Northern Philippine primitive wooden art’, Arts of Asia, July-August 1983.
Moltzau Anderson, E., In the Shape of Tradition: Indigenous Art of the Northern Philippines, C. Zwartenkot Art Books, 2010.
Power and Gold - from the Collection of the Barbier-Müller Museum, Geneva 1985, page 337.