OLD PHILIPPINE IFUGAO HEAD-HUNTING BASKET ARTIFACT

Description

Old Philippine Ifugao "Fangao" Backpack "Head-Hunting"
Basket.  A very beautiful specimen of the rare backpack that is often a cross between the "inabnutan" and the "hape-eng" baskets.  It is widely thought among scholars and collectors alike as the "Head-Hunting Basket", containing and transporting the decapitated head within it.  Although recent scholarship (such as Florina H. Capistrano-Baker: "Baskets of The Luzon Cordillera") vehemently disputes this exclusive reputation, she merely states that the "fangao" was used to carry "any kind of supply" (her own carefully chosen words), but does NOT explicitly deny that the basket was indeed used by head-hunters when the practice was still prevalent, and that means as late as the 1960's.  Like the "hape-eng", the "fangao" is made in a greater variety of styles and designs by the Master Craftsmen of the Ifugao Ambawan, Barlig, and Kanyu settlements.  One distinctive, tell-tale feature of the "fangao" is that it does NOT come with a top cover (the better to keep the stench dispersed). Another is that it is slightly smaller, therefore more portable, than either the "inabnutan" or "hape-eng".  Some baskets also come with a protective palm fiber that is more closely identified with the "inabnutan".  Finally, as this specimen attests to, the construction is unusually sturdy, even by Ifugao standards, able to hold a heavy weight despite its portable size.  Bamboo and rattan.
Plaited construction.  The hoops are braided, and are original rather than a later replacement.  Very tightly woven, the basket is still presented as a purely utilitarian object yet made meticulously, fine craftsmanship that showcases world-class Ifugao craftsmanship.  Multi-purpose storage.  Because it is a humble, "lowly" object, it is seldom preserved and is therefore quite scarce to find in collectible condition.
Fine.  Almost perfect condition.  Very clean inside.  Very beautiful patina, smooth to one’s touch from previous use and generations of human touch.  Looks and feels smooth and shiny.  Whether as a collectible/part of a basket collection or a "stand-alone" display/accent piece, this is a beauty.  No contemporary repair.
Regular size: 11 inches (length/height) X 9 inches (weight/diameter).
It is not especially heavy (about 3 pounds) but is irregularly-sized.  USPS will charge shipping on the basis of both its weight AND dimensions.
"The importance of ethnic and tribal art cannot be overstated. Its complex history with Modernism is intriguing and complex. Each informs the other. For anyone interested in how the human mind is compelled to make experience tangible, then one must consider this art. Look at it, wonder about it, live with it, be inspired by it, and let it broaden your world” (Douglas Dawson).
PLEASE NOTE:  I MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO DESCRIBE ANY FLAW OR IMPERFECTION, IF THERE ARE ANY.  HOWEVER, ANTIQUE, VINTAGE, AND OTHERWISE OLD PIECES NATURALLY HAVE IMPERFECTIONS, WHICH ENHANCE, NOT DETRACT FROM, THEIR VALUE AND AUTHENTICITY.  IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PERFECTION, YOU WILL NEVER BE HAPPY BUYING AND COLLECTING ANTIQUES OR VINTAGE PIECES, AND THE POINT OF BUYING AND COLLECTING IS HAPPINESS.  EVERYTHING ELSE IS PLAIN LIFE.
I WILL RESPOND TO SERIOUS QUERIES ONLY.  SHIPPING IS BASED ON WEIGHT, SHIPPING METHOD (ECONOMY OR PRIORITY/EXPEDITED) THAT YOU SELECTED, AND YOUR ADDRESS/DESTINATION.  AS A GENERAL RULE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME ABOUT SHIPPING COST IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS.
FOREIGN COLLECTORS WELCOME.  PLEASE CONTACT ME FIRST BEFORE BUYING, MAKING AN OFFER, OR PAYING BECAUSE USPS HAVE CHANGED ITS POLICIES WITH REGARD TO INTERNATIONAL PARCELS.
Please note: I am unable to ship abroad using First Class Letter Mail or Air Mail Parcel Post as NEITHER service is trackable, which is now a mandatory requirement of both Paypal and eBay for all of my transactions.  The reason: Far too many items, including postcards I have shipped using Letter Mail in the past, were either lost in transit or reported by their buyers as "Item Not Received".  This is quite a hassle, and is simply not worth it.  So the cheapest shipping method wherever available, is via either USPS Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelope or USPS Priority Mail Box, which includes Tracking, Delivery Confirmation, and Full Insurance.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
I DO
NOT
MAKE MONEY ON SHIPPING, BUT I  CANNOT AFFORD TO SUBSIDIZE IT EITHER.  PAYMENT DUE UPON COMPLETION OF SALE.