FINE BRASS TOBACCO PIPE W/ FACE, BEYER FAMILY COLLECTION

Origin: Northern Luzon, Ifugao or Kankanay 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:  Brass, rattan, bone

Description:  This finely worked diminutive pipe is complete with its original chain and bone pick (bowl cleaner).   These exceptional pipes were produced largely in Kankanay villages at the turn of the century.  One village would make pipe bowls while another would make the stems.  In this area a "brass casting" tradition flourished and included other artifacts as well.  The brass bowl has a sensitive face with pierced ears.   The stem is formed with rolled sheet brass with rattan binding at its base.  In good condition with one metal loop dangle missing from the left ear.

On page 154 of "Marks of Civilization" by Arnold Rubin, a Tattooed kalinga man can be seen wearing a similar pipe in his hair as an ornament with the long chain contouring his face!

Dimensions: Overall Length 5 3/8" (13.5 cm),  width of bowl 1" (2.5 cm), Length of chain 21" (52.5 cm)

Price:  SOLD