Mombaki stick, Ifugao, Philippines, 2nd half of the 20th century

A very eye-catching object, this so-called Mombaki stick. This object is a kind of ritual staff that belonged to a Mombaki, the name for a tribal priest of the Ifugao tribe in the north of the island of Luzon. Although traditions are declining, the Mombaki still plays an important role in the culture of the Ifugao. People visit him for advice where the Mombaki creates a strong energy through various rituals that influences things that are about to happen. The Mombaki use ritual wooden boxes, magical staffs with animal skulls and chicken feathers, chicken blood, necklace, headdress etc. A Mombaki can be compared to a shaman.
One of the attributes a mombaki uses is a stick like this. Wooden handle he is holding consists of rooster feet and feathers. This is a decorative object, not used tribally but exactly as they are used. Good condition!

Length: 37 cm
Weight: 214 grams
Origin: Banaue, Luzon, Philippines
Date: 21st century