Akusan Bontoc Women's Belt

Bontoc woman’s belt (akusan), consisting of a wide band of handwoven indigo dyed linen cloth strung with pierced giant conus shells, small gastropod shells and six pieces of arm or leg bone.  The bone rings show considerable age and wear, their origin is unknown. The centre pouch now contains a conus shell but was traditionally used to store small valuables, magic substances such as the dried umbilical cord of the owner's firstborn child and other fetish objects of significance to its owner. 

The presence of bone indicates the high status of the wearer, most likely the wife (or descendant of) of a head taking warrior or a village chieftain.

Early 20th century or older (the cloth sash was most likely replaced during the mid 20th century as it displays age in its own right but is not as old as the shell and bone pieces). Bontoc people, Bontoc region, Philippines. Longer versions of these belts were sometimes worn by shamans as bandoliers across the chest.

Measurements: Total length 91 cm, length of longest conus 6.5 cm