Bontoc Igorot Woman's Heirloom Jewelry Pouch / Waist Ornament "Akosan"

Description

Bontoc woman's heirloom jewelry pouch / waist ornament "Akosan," circa 1900s. This artifact serves as a pouch for heirloom jewelry as well as an additional piece of body ornamentation.

Found among both the Bontoc and Tinguian, this artifact is worn on the waist. It is made of a long piece of coarse raw cotton fabric, sewn together at the sides with a space in the middle to hold jewelry that is part of the akon — family heirlooms such as inherited earrings and beads that should not be sold and must always be kept safe. Both ends of the cloth pass through several medium-sized cone shells (Conus litteratus); sometimes coiled brass wire or ivory rings are incorporated as well. The shells and brass coils serve as a lock, since they must be removed before the jewelry can be taken out. The heirloom girdle is worn around the waist above the wrap-around skirt (tapis) by older women; in certain villages the akosan is worn beneath the skirt, producing a bustle effect.

Length of cloth: 52 inches. Length end-to-end of shells and brass rings: about 31 inches. Length of pocket: about 1 foot. Consists of 7 shells (one serving as the lock) with bone rings, brass rings, mother-of-pearl rings, smaller shells, wood, and carnelian beads. Weight: about 1kg.

Ethnic Group: Bontoc (Igorot/Cordilleran), Northern Luzon, Philippines
Provenance: Ed Marcelo