Mumbaki stick, shaman object, Ifugao, Philippines, 2nd half of the 20th century

Mumbaki stick, ritual object used by a shaman

A mumbaki is a type of shaman. See below for more information on Ifugao culture and rituals.
The skull is from a dog's head and rooster feathers are attached to the top. The imitations, or trade art, are entirely pitch black, have a strong odor, and leave stains. Not this one!
An authentic ritual object used by a mumbaki during treatment of a client.

Length: 34 cm
Weight: 161 grams
Origin: Banaue
Dating: 2nd half of the 20th century
Provenance: Purchased by myself in situ about 8 years ago

More information on the Ifugao and a Mumbaki

The Ifugao are an indigenous people from the Cordillera region in northern Philippines, known for their impressive rice terraces and rich cultural traditions.
Central to their spiritual life is the mumbaki, a traditional shaman or priest who performs rituals to maintain balance between people, ancestors, and spirits.

A mumbaki plays an essential role in major life events such as birth, illness, marriage, and death, as well as in agricultural rituals and healing ceremonies.
His knowledge of mythology, oral tradition, and ritual practices is passed down from generation to generation, often within families of mumbaki themselves.

Rituals typically begin with the recitation of hudhud (epic chants) or prayers to the anito (ancestral spirits) and deities such as Kabunian, the supreme god.
The mumbaki calls upon these entities to ask for protection, healing, or fertility. Communication with the spirits often occurs in trance or through offerings.

Important ritual objects used by a mumbaki include:

• Baki-box: a wooden chest in which sacred items are stored, such as amulets, herbs, and magical stones.

• Bulul: carved wooden figures representing ancestral spirits that symbolize prosperity and a good harvest. These are venerated during agricultural rituals.

• Altar (Dulang): a small wooden platform on which offerings are placed, such as rice, betel nuts, or animal sacrifices (chickens, pigs).

• Ritual knife (Gayang): used to slaughter sacrificial animals. The animal’s blood plays a central role in spiritual communication.

• Tabako (pipe): some mumbaki ritually smoke tobacco as part of trance induction or as a symbol of wisdom.

• Mumbaki stick: A mumbaki stick is a ritual staff used by an Ifugao shaman (mumbaki) during ceremonies to connect with spirits and ancestors. The staff serves as a spiritual conduit or medium, often used while chanting prayers or performing ritual dances.

• Clothing: the mumbaki often wears traditional garments with symbolic patterns, a head cloth (wanno), and jewelry believed to offer protection.

During healing rituals, the mumbaki often performs a dangli: a ritual dance combined with chanting, in which he "examines" the body of the sick person for spiritual imbalance.
Sometimes a chicken is sacrificed, and its intestines are read (panagkikik) to determine the cause of the illness.

Although Christianity is now widespread in the region, mumbaki rituals are still practiced, especially in rural areas.
These traditions represent a living heritage and reflect the Ifugao's deep respect for nature, ancestors, and the cosmic order.