GORGEOUS TINGUIAN WOMAN'S "TINALI" BEADED UPPER ARM CUFF

Origin: Northern Luzon Tinguian and Kalinga People  (Provenance:  Beyer family collection.  By descent through the family.  Acquired from Dr. Henry Otley Beyer's Granddaughter.  Dr. Beyer has been recognized as "The Father of Philippine Anthropology".)

Period/Date: Circa 1900

Materials:  glass, ceramic and copper trade beads, string, cloth

Description:  This beautiful "Tinali" beaded upper arm cuff bracelet was worn by Tinguian and Southern Kalinga women and was an important object of personal adornment.  It is comprised of multi-colored glass, ceramic and brass beads.  The hundreds of beads are individually tied.  The individual strands were fastened so tightly that portions of the woman's arm often began to swell which is a sign of beauty for woman.  Abundant prestige is associated with the possession and wearing of beads and although the sleeves worn on the upper arm may be removed, the sleeves on the forearm are rarely removed.    Similar beaded cuff/ sleeves can be seen on page 236-37 of "FORM & SPLENDOR" by Roberto Maramba (Copyright 1998)

Dimensions: Height 2.75" (7 cm),  Width 3.75" (9.5 cm)

Price:  SOLD