Wandering around the house, I noticed our lamp standing near the stairs. I've taken a few shots of it when I arrived 2 weeks ago, intending to write about it. I guess that day has come.

My brother made it a few years ago, made of Capiz shells from our province. Ilocanos call these shells Kapis. There is a place in the Southern Philippines called CAPIZ, where majority of capiz come from, hence the name. But please don't get confused!

Placuna Placenta

A kind of mollusk with translucent mother-of-pearl shells.

During the Spanish era, Capiz seashells were used in making windows. Growing up, our windows were made as such since majority of houses then were made of wood, including its' windows.

Our neighbor's windows...they're older than me!

Capiz shells are very translucent, to allow daylight to pass trough.

They are made of small square shells, held together by thin strips of wood.

I remember sliding 2 panels of wood before in opening and closing our windows. They are quite sturdy and can withstand earthquakes though very delicate, maybe it depends on the intensity? But then again, there are still old houses with capiz window panes from the Spanish period.

Capiz in the modern era 

Capiz shells are used as a raw material in the manufacture of glue, chalk, varnish, window panes, chandeliers and lampshades.

As most houses now are made of concrete materials, the use of Capiz have evolved, though the they are still being used today. It is very pricey now as to buy them, more often it's by the number of pieces.

A restaurant in Calle Crisologo with Capiz windows and a lamp.

A souvenir placemats and coasters in Calle Crisologo.

A hotel door in Calle Crisologo.

A decor seen in a souvenir shop. Maybe dyed for the different colors..I forgot to ask!

Our lamp in an old wood stand...

If you happen to visit the Philippines one day, check the residentials' front yards and you will see different shapes and sizes of Capiz lamps hanging from the trees!!!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windowpane_oyster

All images are mine and original. Taken with my Samsung Galaxy S7.