top of page

Fuwaya (crocodile) (a)

LOCAL NAME:

Fuwaya (crocodile) (a)

ENGLISH NAME:

Boar necklace

DESCRIPTION:

A ceremonial necklace characterized by twenty-one boar's teeth intricately attached to snake vertebrae, forming a cord adorned with intricate wickerwork.

COMMONLY USED BY/IN:

Bontoc, Sagada, Mountain Province

MATERIAL COMPOSITION:

Boar teeth, Snake vertebrae

ITEM CONSTRUCTION:

Basketry, Wood carving

DIMENSIONS:

Diameter: 29 cm

Boar Teeth
21 pieces

ACQUISITION YEAR:

2021

DISPLAY STATUS:

BURC

RESEARCH DATA:

Known as the fuwaya necklace, this ceremonial adornment is crafted from a combination of crocodile (buwaya) and boar's teeth, utilizing snake vertebrae as a cord. Worn specifically by elderly men of elevated social status within the community, the fuwaya plays a significant role in various ritualistic practices. As an integral part of ritual paraphernalia, men don this necklace during ceremonial activities, headhunting rites, and ritual dances, as detailed by Maramba in 1998. In Sagada, Mt. The fuwaya is particularly worn by respected elders, with the belief that the strength associated with the crocodile symbol will impart greater physical prowess, especially in times of warfare.

REFERENCES:

Maramba, R. (1998). Form and Splendor: Personal Adornment of Northern Luzon Ethnic Group. Manila: Bookmark, Inc.

bottom of page