Bontoc Tikam or Hip/Waist Ornament

A silver shell circled by bands of tiny triangles, with a dark disc set in the middle like a pupil.

This tikam, or hip/waist ornament, is Bontoc, from the Philippines, and dates to the early 20th century, in mother of pearl. Among the Bontoc of the northern Luzon highlands, polished shell ornaments like this were generally worn at the hip or waist as part of festive dress. The iridescent shell is incised along its upper curve with concentric bands of zigzags, diamonds and scale patterns, filled in black. A round disc of dark material sits at the center, pierced with a slot for fastening. It is 9.75 inches high and 8.75 wide.

The shell did the shining. The carver supplied the discipline.