77 Ifugao house-post (called a kinabiggat), 148 cm (58 1/2") high, with figure of a squatting man on upper half and a standing pregnant woman on lower half. Carved of nara wood with an encrusted and smoky patina. There are several mortise holes carved in the back and side for mortise and tenon joints. Said to be from Bangaan village near Banaue. Such a carved house-post, used to support the roof, was a privilege restricted to the highest aristocratic families, who had to sponsor several feasts for the community with many roasted pigs before they could earn the right to have such a kinabiggat post carved. The spirit of the kinabiggat was believed to protect the family, their rice and other property, as well as the whole community. (Cf. Anderson, Indigenous Art of the Northern Philippines, p. 199 and 202-204). Certified as a Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines, ca. 1970, with stamp 0065844.

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