Shell pouch belt

This 'akosan' or pouch belt was used to carry jewellery. It was made of hand-woven cotton and decorated with large cone shells. Some have coiled brass wire or ivory rings incorporated into them. Akosan may be worn above or beneath the wearer’s skirt. 'Akosan' are family heirlooms and were prominently displayed in funerals. The large shells used to decorate such belts were highly prized by the tribal peoples of the northern part of the Central Cordillera particularly the Tinguian and Bontoc. They were acquired through trade with coastal peoples

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