PHILIPPINE HERITAGES: COLLECTIBLE SOUVENIRS – Ifugao Basket Hat For Men – Tribal Bachelor Hat

Long before the Spanish conquest of the Philippine Islands in the 1500s, the land had been subject to influences from both the East & the West.

The ancient Greeks wrote of the islands in the second century B.C. and the archipelago was reached by Indian, Malay, Javanese, Chinese & Japanese traders on migration routes from Asia into the Pacific.

From Luzon, comes this Bontoc suklang or basket hat, frequently
referred to as a bachelorʻs hat, circa early 1900s.

Various woven hats were worn by the several ethnic tribes in the region & marital status, village, age & sometimes, whether or not he was a successful head hunter was indicated in the design of a manʻs hat. The hat not only reflected the man who wore it, but also, the cultures that flowed through the region.

The basketwork suklang was an effective device for carrying tobacco,
tinder, flint & other small items that one might need during the day.

A cord set against the forehead would hold the hat towards the back of the head and was used to carry a smoking pipe, thus totally freeing ones hands.

Only when a boy was old enough to go head hunting did he receive dog & boar teeth from maiden girls to decorate his own hat. On special occasions, chicken feathers might be added or beads & shells.

The hat of the married man, is less decorated & more sober in appearance. As such, the hat represents progress and passage through society.

Hand constructed of dyed rattan, this suklang is decorated with boarsʻ tusks and dog teeth.

It is in fine, antique condition with wear commensurate for its age.

Pictured in my hand & with a ruler, you can gauge the size for yourself.

If you want to wear it, you will need to provide a small cord which is
easily attached to the hat.

As an interior design piece, it is fabulous !

Going native has never been more of a pleasure……

Thank you the visit.