Bakus Belt
Bagobo, the Davao Gulf, Southern Philippines, early 20th century
Like many of their accessories, the bakus (belt) of the Bagobo is an adornment that creates a melodious tone during movement of the wearer. This fully beaded piece likely belonged to an important woman as it is remarkably broad and bears seventy-two dangling bronze slit bells. Bells on the belts of men would typically be more closely fastened to the strap of the belt.
A woven panel of Manila hemp or abaca serves as the main strap or body of the belt and is fully adorned with colourful glass and ceramic beads arranged in geometric patterns like the designs on the bronze bells. It illustrates the use of both local materials and craftsmanship as well as trade goods in the formation of material culture. As hunter-farmers, the Bagobo who traditionally occupy the Davao Gulf and slopes of Mount Apo would have acquired the glass beads and bronze through trade networks.
Catalogue Number: E-74-69
Material: Abaca, brass, glass and ceramic beads, and bronze bells
Dimensions: Length 62 cm, Width 14 cm