Bontoc Man's Hat (Suklang) Pill-shaped basketry hat made of rattan. Square start in center with spokes radiating out and woven over 1 under 1; rim is bound with rattan; 4 red dyed rattan bands encircle the hat near the bottom rim, held in place front and back with split stitch rattan; two dogs? teeth are held in place with this lacing at front and back; 5 buttons are sewn up the sides and across the top of the hat (2 blue ones with iris design and 3 mother-of-pearl, 1 appears to be missing). Two braided nito (fern) ties and fastened at either side of the hat. The decoration would indicate this hat would have been worn by a bachelor. The suklang is worn on the back of the head and personal items, such as tobacco, may be tucked inside. See p. 239, The People and Art of the Philippines

1994.031.006