Context (Field collection)
Man’s costume (2007.473 - 2007.477) presented to Rev. Whitehorn and his first wife, Elizabeth Hope Grant Whitehorn, by the churches of north-western Paiwan territory in 1969. The costume was probably made by people from the north and western side of the territory.
Event Date 1969
Author: maa

Context (Production / use)
The right to wear representations of snakes is reserved for people of high status. The tiger does not usually appear in this context. It is possible that this was taken from another source and added specially for this gift.
Event Date 29/11/2007
Author: Heather Donoghue

Description (Physical description)
A long sleeved man’s jacket made of cotton as well as blue and black velvet with beadwork-design. It has a round neck and opens in the front. Along the seven buttons the jacket’s front depicts a pattern of humans figures. There is both a waistband at the bottom and a crescent-shaped collar-like design which is embraced by a thin aluminium chain at the top of the jacket made of beads. Both stripes continue from the front to the back. They show snakes and human faces. The back of the jacket depicts butterflies, snakes and a tiger. In the centre is a ?figure with characteristics of human and butterfly. Possibly a transformation figure. Similar ambiguous figures on each sleeve - human with arms and legs in the form of snakes. The sleeves show a stripe going from the collar to the cuff. The cuffs show a geometric/floral design.
Event Date 29/11/2007
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Ibuk. Round neck, long sleeved jacket of blue velvet, decorated with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures in orange, yellow, green and white glass beads. Centre front appliquéd with black velvet panels with rows of beaded anthropomorphic heads, arms raised; seven shell buttons with yellow, red and green plaited synthetic wool loops. Semicircular appliqué collar on reverse with three beaded snake-like figures intersected by beaded faces and enclosed by geometric bands containing sequins; aluminium chain stitched below collar. Large appliqué tiger, two butterflies and further winged figure at centre reverse. Panels of beaded anthropomorphic figures along bottom edge with snake motifs either side. Appliqué sleeve panels depict snake-like figure, butterfly and snake; cuff panels of foliate motifs containing sequins with geometric bands above and below. Metal discs stitched along beadwork edges. Blue synthetic cloth lining.
Event Date 22/3/2024
Author: Heather Donoghue