Neck and Chest Ornament

Sipattals are tribal ornaments, worn only by the Isneg tribe in North Luzon in the Phillippines. These are considered the most important piece of personal adornment worn by men and women alike. The Isneg people live in isolation, within the mountains of Apayao. They were once known as the most fearsome headhunters of the region. Worn suspended on the chest, these neck pieces are reserved for special occasions and are often given as marriage gifts.

This sipattal is composed of four butterfly shaped mother-of-pearl ornaments called ‘bissin’. The pieces of mother-of-pearl are joined by glass, agate, and Indian silver beads which are strung through holes on pineapple fiber. The ribbon is made of tiny glass beads and it ends in a similar element as the main ones.