Philippine Apog or Lime Container, Based

Smooth, lopsided and faintly sinister, this one leans over its own shoulder.

This apog, or lime container, was made by Ifogao people of the Philippines in the early 20th century from bone and rattan. Such vessels commonly held the lime used with betel chewing. The bone is carved as a kneeling figure with folded arms and incised bands at the chest, and the surface runs from deep amber to burnt brown with darker mottling. A rounded dark head with small pierced holes caps it. Rattan binding anchors the base.

About 9 inches tall, shown on a black block. Small enough to carry, odd enough to be remembered.