RESEARCH DATA:

In addition to anthropomorphic figurine and hagabi (prestige bench) motifs, certain flat wooden ladles also feature zoomorphic designs, exemplified by this particular piece from the collection showcasing a lizard-like carving on the handle. Artifacts depicting lizard motifs are often associated with the upper-class members of the Ifugao community.

The banniya (Ifugao) is a common lizard motif incorporated into various Ifugao items, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. This creature also represents the Ifugao god, who descended from heaven to teach the community how to construct essential irrigation systems vital to their farming culture.

Irrespective of the designs and motifs adorning these wooden flat ladles, they are universally recognized as a fundamental element of Cordilleran culture, serving both ritual and everyday purposes, as emphasized by Anderson in 2010.