Object Name: Akosan

Provenance: Bontoc, Mt. Province
Shell, brass and cloth
MK Collection

The akosan, also called akos, is a type of belt bag made of handwoven fabric and adorned with cone shells (Conus litteratus) and coiled brass wire. It serves as a form of portable safety deposit box for securing various pieces of akon-heirlooms such as beads, earrings, and pieces of gold (Maramba 1998, 66). It is worn over the belt that holds the skirt. The shells and rings that adorn the akosan are in themselves prestige items.