Name of Object: Bansil

English Name and Local Name: Gold – pegged teeth (English name); bansil (local
name)

Historical Description and Information:

It was said that before the Spaniards arrived our ancestors decorated their
teeth, from staining them black or red, to adding gold decorations. In the writings
of Antonio Pigafetta mentioned about the decorative dentistry among the Visayans.
In one of his passages, he describes Rajah Siaui (Siawi/Si Awi)/Siagu of Butuan
having gold ornamental teeth. “He had three spots of gold on every tooth and his
teeth appeared as if bound with gold.” Then in the Sanchez 1617 Visayan
dictionary, there is a passage that says, ”Pilay sohol ko nga papamusad* ako dimo“
[How much will you charge me for gold teeh]?
*Pusad was the general term for teeth goldwork, whether they were inlays, crowns, or
plating. The mananusad was the dental worker, a professional who got paid for his services.

Halop, covering, included both plating held on by little gold rivets run
through the tooth, and actual caps extending beyond the gum line, also secured by
pegs. Bansil were gold pegs inserted in holes drilled with an awl called ulok,
usually in a thumbnail-shaped field that had been filed into the surface of the
incisors beforehand. If they were simple pegs without heads, they looked like gold
dots on ivory dice when filed flush with the surface of the tooth (like Rajah Siawi).
But if the pegs were tack-shaped, their flat heads overlapped like golden fish scales
(like the teeth on the Bolinao skull); or if round-headed, they could be worked into
intricate filigreelike designs similar to beadwork. Of course, this goldwork was
considered all the more effective if displayed on teeth polished bright red or jet
black.
It was also said that this bansil was one of the significant information
gathered in the archaeological excavation of Balingasay Site, Bolinao, Pangasinan –
beautiful and ornate method of decorating the teeth with gold. In this site, teeth
with gold ornaments were found in 67 skulls that were associated with trade ware
ceramics attributed to Early Ming Dynasty (ca. 15th century AD). One of the skulls
is the renowned Bolinao Skull where gold scales were observed on the buccal
surfaces of the upper and lower incisors and canines.
 Due to its historical value the Museo Sugbo preserves this artifact as it
embodies the life and tradition of the pre-historic Filipinos and ancestors. It was
also believed that this bansil displayed and preserved was found at the same
location where the archaeological excavation was done.
It was enjoyable to know about this artifact and I recommend this art to the
Generation Z as it signifies our cultural identity. It also gives highlight that despite
the primitive status of our ancestors they are able to showcase their fashionable
sense with the use of the natural resources such as gold and other precious stones.
It gives us the idea that our ancestors are rich in natural resources and creativity.

Sources of Information:

Culture. (2013, June 21). Retrieved December 15, 2020, from https://pinoy-
culture.tumblr.com/post/53484567177/recovered-artifacts-treasures-from-
the

IRovision. (2016, September 07). GARBO SA SUGBO. Retrieved January 25, 2021,
from https://rovijesmile.wordpress.com/2016/09/04/historical-museo-
sugbo/#jp-carousel-25