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FAST FACTS
Provincial Origin: Abra
Fiber Composition: Cotton
Method: Weft via Backstrap Loom
Identifiers: Thick, Geometric, Stark
This particular compositional tradition is the singular, mathematically-precise system of grids executed with gradated sizes of bands that create an optical illusion of 3-dimensionality. The Itnëg weaving lexicon has a name for this patterning: binakël (also known as binakol.) This specific style of binakël is called kosikos, “whirlwind.”
The Itneg & Philippine Textile Heritage
The Itnëg weaving tradition consists of several technical lineages: twill weaving for sacred cloths, supplementary weft weaving (pinilian) for blankets; plain weave; and well-executed embroidery for joineries. All these are shared with the greater Ilokano weaving culture except that all Ilokano weaving in the last few centuries were executed on the floor loom. The Itnëg continued using the older backstrap.
Exhibit Provenance
The examples in this exhibition is the creation of community leader, Normandino “Strong” Mina, 54, of Namarabar, Peñarubbia, Abra, with Dino Mina, 26, and Fhely Benabese, 32, of their association, the Tingguian Ethnic Art Handloom Woven Products. Strong is the son of Norma Agaid Mina, 78, who started revival work after a stint in the 1980’s by gathering old and would-be weavers under her wing, and, from around 2000, produced a steady supply of Itnëg weaves to Manila.
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