Chest ornament (sipatal)

The Isneg people traditionally lived in the highlands of northern Luzon. This chest ornament (sipattal) was a marker of status. The beaded collar suspends three rows of butterfly-shaped pieces of mother-of-pearl as well as other decorative bead and shell ornaments. The shell used in its construction must have come through trade with peoples in the lowlands or along the coast. The beads were traded from Indonesia or India. Necklaces of this type were worn by both men and women. They were considered heirlooms and worn only on important occasions. They also functioned as marriage gifts, given by the groom’s family to compensate the bride’s family on her departure.