Jack, I am not sure what to say about the picture because their belts look like it is made of cloth. That means lowland clothing reached Bontoc at this time. Why would they have cloth belts and hang twigs to cover their front? My grandmother told me that before the lowland weavings reached my village, they pounded tree barks to make into skirts. It get so tough during the day that they take it of at night and leave it on the roof for moisture.
The belts look like sanitary belts. I have seen a lot of these when I was growing up. I am also curious when the picture was taken. My grandmother's time was between 1915-1986.
The girls look like they were between the age of 12-15 year olds. My take on the picture of the semi-naked Bontoc women is a justification of the white man's presence, or a pervertion or just mainly art? It could also be a precusor to the "Saint Louis" Expo?
About 6 people from my village were part of the naked people who were brought to America; 3 of them are relatives. I read a transcript of an interview of the oldest survivor. She said, "they were made to take off their clothes even if it was so cold, and were instructed to stay in their respective cages the whole time." I am sure you know about this by heart.
The girls look beautiful and innocent compare to that of "Hollywood" Again, I enjoy your pictures.
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Jack, are your siblings aware that you're posting their pictures in your face book? Just curious.
