Locust Storage Basket (Iwus), 20th Century, Bontoc, Luzon Cordillera, Philippines

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Locust storage basket (iwus) 20th century
Bontoc
Luzon Cordillera, Philippines
Twined construction
Bamboo, rattan

Like edible snails, locusts were traditionally … Read more Locust storage basket (iwus) 20th century
Bontoc
Luzon Cordillera, Philippines
Twined construction
Bamboo, rattan

Like edible snails, locusts were traditionally considered a delicacy in the Cordillera. In the past, swarms of locusts frequently appeared in the highlands. Armed with nets, men, women, and children would capture the insects. The locusts were kept alive in jar-like baskets with open-slatted sides or net-like bottoms for ventilation. Locusts were then roasted or boiled and the insects’ wings and legs removed; finally, they might be dried in the sun. This Bontoc iwus has tightly-slatted sides with ventilation provided at the top of the basket.

This was purchased in the Philippines in the 1970's and part of a professor's collection. See less