Philippine Kalinga Wood Shield

Philippine, Igorot or Luzon Island
A classic Northern Luzon tribal war shield (kalasag) carved from a single dense plank of hardwood, hailing from the Cordillera mountain region of the Philippines (Ifugao or Kalinga peoples, ca. late 19th to mid-20th Century).

Engineered for headhunting skirmishes and personal defense, the silhouette features the iconic three-pronged upper crest—intended to snare or pin an opponent's neck—and two lower projections utilized to entrap the legs. The face is adorned with graphic black resinous pigments delineating a stylized central hourglass figure, hatched borders, and finely rendered registers of stamped concentric circles, securely bound across the waist by traditional braided rattan cords. Carved en suite on the reverse is an integral hand grip showing substantial handling polish. Rich with ethnographic presence, the shield retains a dark, age-darkened patina with minor native wear and chipped losses consistent with active tribal use.

Size 46.5 in H. x 12.75 in Wide atop.
Provenance Barbara Gentiluomo circa 1980-90s, owner Candle Glow Antiques, Holiston, MA.