Ifugao Kankanay Peg, Philippines

Wooden Coffin Peg

This carved wooden coffin peg is in the shape of a female ancestor. It is from the Kankanay or Ifugao people who inhabit the mountainous provinces of northern Luzon island in the Philippines. Coloured with dark ochre, the peg, of elongated form shows a female figure with close-cropped hair and a small hair bun at the back of the head. Importantly, the figure has clear age and patina consistent with an early twentieth century dating or earlier.

The religious beliefs of the Ifugao and Kankanay are a complex structure of ancestor worship, animism and magical power. Numerous spiritual entities that represent natural elements, forces and phenomena, and ancestral and metaphysical beings are acknowledged, worshipped, appeased and appealed to.

Generally the gods are seen as generous and benign beings who enjoy feasting, drinking wine and chewing betel nut, just as the tribes people do themselves. But the gods are quick to anger too and must be treated with respect and honoured. Accordingly, ceremonial cycles have evolved so that the gods and other supernatural beings are feted and honoured.

The rice and agricultural deities are particularly important – they ensure bountiful rice harvests. Accordingly, male and female effigies are carved and installed near to the crops and these become the earthly homes of the deities.

Ancestors are believed to take an active interest in earthly matters and similarly are feted and consulted. They too are represtented with wooden carvings such as this peg which most probably was used to have secured the lid of a coffin.

The peg itself has an excellent patina and is free from repairs, significant cracks or chips.