Woman's Arm Beads

This is the typical ornament of the Tinguian woman. Strands above strands of beads extend from the wrist to the elbow and, if the wealth of the owner permits, to the shoulder. They are drawn tightly above the wrist, the constriction causing that member to swell. Bamboo sticks are sometimes inserted below the beads and these are removed when the pain from the binding becomes unbearable. These ornaments are never removed except when being restrung or when the owner is in mourning. TINGUIAN. Northwestern Luzon, Philippine Islands. Robert F. Cummings Expedition. F.C. Cole, Collector.