Bell Ornament (Tongkaling)
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-clothing ornaments
Datemid 20th century
Collection SiteMarawi City, Philippines, Asia
MediumMetal
Dimensions7 1/2 × 3/4 × 3/4 in. (19.1 × 1.9 × 1.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Frieda O. Wray from the Estate of Dr. & Mrs. Douglas and Carolyn Osborne
Object number2021.12.23
DescriptionThis chain with small, clam-shaped bells at each end would have originally been part of a larger piece of adornment such as a headdress or belt with many more bells attached. The bells themselves are colloquially called tongkaling by several ethnolinguistic groups residing in the southern region of Mindanao Island in the Philippines.Tongkaling are often used as part of ceremonial costumes worn for special occasions such as feasts or dances, or they are sometimes kept as handheld charms. In either case, they are believed to protect against misfortune, negative energy, and malevolent entities. This particular piece was likely used as a charm because it was found inside a small purse where the owner likely kept it for personal protection.
On View
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770-256 BCE
770-256 BCE
770-256 BCE
770-256 BCE
770-256 BCE
770-256 BCE
770-256 BCE
