Material reference

Green Agate · Luntiang Tibay

Scientific identity, documented history, and community contexts are presented with sources. TÁWID’s contemporary design interpretation is identified separately.

Material identity

Agate is banded chalcedony. “Green” specifies the marketed colour, but does not by itself explain its cause or treatment history. The Australian Museum notes that fine-grained quartz is often commercially stained. That general observation should prompt accurate disclosure, rather than an assumption that a particular bead is either dyed or untreated.

For a useful description, distinguish the material’s banding from its colour and polish. Bands belong to the internal structure; a uniform hue may require separate investigation. The supplier’s name alone cannot establish a geological source. [1] [3]

Documented historical context

Agate’s layered appearance inspired decorative glass. Corning records Tiffany’s “Agate” glass and a rib-mould-blown vase dated about 1897–1899. Here a natural stone’s pattern became the starting point for a different craft medium. [4]

Philippine and community context

Bahay Ugnayan’s Kalinga bongor has a banded agate centrepiece surrounded by carnelian and glass beads. The record identifies local bead names, arrangements, and changing values, drawing on research in Lubo, Kalinga-Apayao. Its agate is not identified as the green commercial variety in this catalogue. The comparison concerns the documented use of agate within the necklace. [2]

TÁWID’s contemporary interpretation

Luntiang Tibay is TÁWID’s contemporary reflection on stewardship and persistence.

References

1. Smithsonian NMNH, “Quartz (var. agate),” NMNH 136330
2. Bahay Ugnayan Research Center, “Bongor (a),” Kalinga collection
3. Australian Museum, “Quartz”
4. Corning Museum of Glass, “Agate,” interpretive notes on stone and glass

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