Trade beads have a long history in Philippine culture. Its origins can be traced to Europe, Africa, and China; the beads having been traded by the Spanish people upon reaching our shores. For the Kalingas, beads are considered as essential articles of clothing and a source of material wealth. These beads are also believed to hold certain properties that, when worn, promote good luck to its wearer.
The beads featured on this page are authentic antique Kalinga Trade Beads (unless otherwise stated) which have been acquired from various sources all over the Cordilleras; mostly from vendors belonging to old Kalinga families who have acquired the beads as heirloom pieces. Some of the beads seen here date back to the 1600-1700s; others even during an earlier period. The beads are a symbol of the proud culture of the Kalingas and a surviving relic of the trade that subsisted between peoples of various cultures in the olden days. The bead arrangements are done by Mary Grace Laoagan-Pocais, the necklaces and bracelets have been given modern twists to make them more wearable.
