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Akopan (b)

LOCAL NAME:

Akopan (b)

ENGLISH NAME:

Women’s jewellery container

DESCRIPTION:

A miniature bead container basket with a round lid.

COMMONLY USED BY/IN:

Ga’dang, Kalinga, Ifugao, Bontoc

MATERIAL COMPOSITION:

Rattan

ITEM CONSTRUCTION:

Basket weaving

DIMENSIONS:

Lid:
Diameter: 10.5 cm x 13 cm
Height: 2.9 cm

Body:
Height: 9 cm

Base:
Diameter: 8.5 cm x 12 cm

Rim:
Diameter: 8.5 cm x 11 cm

ACQUISITION YEAR:

2021

DISPLAY STATUS:

BURC

RESEARCH DATA:

A round rattan basket is used in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Ifugao. It is commonly called akopan and as a women's jewellery container. Specifically. It is used as a container for beads used in creating traditional jewellery, ornaments, and embellishments. Jewellery like earrings and necklaces is also kept in it for storage. Its size and shape vary across the Cordillera and are also used by the Ga’dang.

The name akopan is derived from the local word “akkop” or “akopan” which means “cover” or covered.

REFERENCES:

Anderson, E. M., & van den Muijzenberg, O. D. (2010). In the shape of tradition: Indigenous art of the Northern Philippines. Leiden: Zwartenkot Art Books.

Mapping Philippine Material Culture. (2023, September 8). Jewellery box. https://philippinestudies.uk/mapping/items/show/15342

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