Ilongot Copper Tribal Necklace

White beads and pale carved scraps hang from a chain of heavy rings.

This tribal copper necklace is Ilongot, from Baguio, Philippines, and is contemporary. Copper is a soft, reddish metal that can be hammered, drawn into wire and shaped by hand, which makes it well suited to handmade necklaces. Round, darkened links carry hanging coils, each topped with small white beads and ending in a flat, greenish-white tag with notched, stepped edges. The tags vary in outline, some pierced, and the chain has a worn, dark gold color.

Delicate danglers on a surprisingly sturdy backbone.