Akosan (b)
LOCAL NAME:
Akosan (b)
ENGLISH NAME:
Shell belt
DESCRIPTION:
An ivory belt adorned with cone shells, designed to be worn by women and revered as a crucial ritual paraphernalia for the ritual specialist among the Itneg (Tingguian) community in Abra.
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Bontoc, Mountain Province, Abra
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Cone shells, Brass, Handwoven textile
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
90
DIMENSIONS:
Length: 69 cm
Fringe
Length: 17 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
DISPLAY STATUS:
BURC
RESEARCH DATA:
Crafted from handwoven textile strung with ivories and embellished with cone shells, this belt holds sacred significance as a ritual object among the Itneg. Specifically utilized by the mandadawak, or ritual specialist, these belts play a vital role in healing rites and ceremonies within the Tingguian/Itneg community. Regarded as family heirlooms, these belts are not only ornamental but also carry deep cultural and spiritual significance.
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