Ilocos and Cordillera Region - Traditional Crafts PDF

**ILOCOS AND CORDILLERA REGION** **Inabel** -- A traditional handwoven fabric from the Ilocos region, known for its intricate patterns and durability. It is often used for blankets, clothing, and accessories, showcasing the craftsmanship of Ilocano weavers. **Tinalik Basket** -- A sturdy woven bas...

**ILOCOS AND CORDILLERA REGION** **Inabel** -- A traditional handwoven fabric from the Ilocos region, known for its intricate patterns and durability. It is often used for blankets, clothing, and accessories, showcasing the craftsmanship of Ilocano weavers. **Tinalik Basket** -- A sturdy woven basket made by the Cordilleran people using rattan strips tied together with natural fibers. It is used for carrying and storing goods, reflecting the indigenous people\'s resourcefulness. **Kain** -- A wraparound skirt worn by Cordilleran women, featuring vibrant colors and intricate patterns. It signifies cultural identity and is often worn during rituals and celebrations. **Labba** -- A large, shallow woven basket from the Cordillera, commonly used for carrying and sorting rice, vegetables, and other farm produce. Made from rattan or bamboo, it showcases the indigenous weaving tradition. **Tattooing** -- A sacred practice among the Cordilleran tribes, where intricate tattoos symbolize bravery, status, and beauty. Traditionally done with thorn and ink, it is a significant part of their cultural heritage. **Ikat** -- A complex dyeing and weaving technique used in Cordilleran textiles, creating intricate patterns on fabric. It requires skill and precision, producing unique, handcrafted designs. **Lingling-o**/**Dinumug** -- A traditional fertility and good luck amulet, shaped like a crescent or an open oval. Made from gold, jade, or copper, it is worn as jewelry by indigenous groups in the Cordillera. **Bul-ul** -- Wooden rice guardian figures carved by the Ifugao people to protect their harvest. These sacred statues are believed to house ancestral spirits and bring prosperity. **Hanging** **Coffins** -- A burial tradition in Sagada, Mountain Province, where coffins are suspended on cliffs and caves. This practice reflects ancient beliefs in elevating the dead closer to the spirit world. **Kadangyan** -- A term referring to the wealthy or noble class in Cordilleran society, often recognized through elaborate clothing and accessories. Their status is linked to land ownership and social influence. **Wanes** -- A traditional loincloth worn by Cordilleran men, often made of handwoven fabric with tribal patterns. It symbolizes heritage and is commonly worn during rituals and ceremonies. **Lufid** -- A woven skirt worn by Bontoc women, wrapped around the waist and secured with a belt. It is a significant part of their traditional attire, often paired with intricate beadwork. **Ginaspala Wanes** -- It is a belt worn by a married women of Bontoc and in Kankanaey Northern Cordillera as a symbol of their marital status. It\'s an important part of their traditional attire. **Bobo** -- A cylindrical fish trap woven from bamboo or rattan, commonly used by indigenous Filipino communities. It is designed to catch fish efficiently in rivers and streams. **Suklang** -- A traditional woven hat worn by Cordilleran men, often used as a head covering and a container for betel nut. It signifies status and is intricately crafted from natural fibers. **CAGAYAN VALLEY & CENTRAL** **LUZON** **Vakul** -- A traditional headgear made from abaca fiber, worn by the Ivatan people of Batanes to protect themselves from sun and rain. It is lightweight yet durable, showcasing the ingenuity of Ivatan craftsmanship. **Kanayi** -- A woven vest made from pandan or nipa leaves, traditionally worn by Ivatan men as protection against the harsh weather. It is a practical and eco-friendly piece of clothing reflecting the Ivatan lifestyle. **Talugong** -- A wide-brimmed hat made from woven pandan or palm leaves, commonly used by farmers in Central Luzon. It provides excellent protection from the sun and is a symbol of rural Filipino life. **Tukap** -- A finely woven sleeping mat made by indigenous communities in Cagayan Valley. It is crafted from dried pandan or buri leaves and is valued for its comfort and durability. **Gaddang People** -- An indigenous group from Cagayan Valley known for their vibrant, handwoven textiles and elaborate beadwork. Their traditional clothing features bold geometric patterns that reflect their rich cultural heritage. -- The Gaddang are an indigenous ethnic group from the Cagayan Valley region, primarily found in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, and parts of Quirino and Cagayan. The name Gaddang is believed to come from the words \"ga\" (meaning \"heat\") and \"dang\" (meaning \"burned\"). **Bakwat Belt** -- A handwoven belt used by the Gaddang women, often worn by mothers after childbirth for support. It is intricately designed with colorful beadwork and embroidery, symbolizing strength and tradition. **Singkaban** -- An elaborate bamboo archway traditionally used as decorations during festivals in Bulacan. The bamboo is artistically carved into intricate patterns, showcasing Filipino craftsmanship. **Buntal Weaving** -- A traditional hat-making craft from Baliuag, Bulacan, where fine buntal fibers are woven into stylish and durable hats. These hats are known for their intricate craftsmanship and are exported worldwide. **Parol** -- A bright and colorful star-shaped lantern that symbolizes the Christmas spirit in the Philippines. Made from bamboo, papel de hapon, or capiz shells, it is a key feature of Filipino holiday celebrations. **Pabalat/Borlas de Pastillas** -- Intricate paper-cut designs used to wrap pastillas, a traditional milk candy from Bulacan. These delicate paper wrappings feature ornate patterns, turning simple sweets into artistic gifts. **Dukit** -- A woodcarving tradition from Pampanga, where artisans create religious statues, furniture, and intricate sculptures. This craft reflects Filipino devotion and artistic excellence in woodworking. **Terracotta Pottery** -- A pottery-making tradition in Pampanga and Cagayan Valley, where clay is molded into pots, jars, and cooking vessels. These handcrafted pieces are valued for their durability and rustic beauty. **SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGION** **Balisong** -- Also known as the \"butterfly knife,\" the balisong is a traditional folding knife from Batangas, known for its quick-flipping mechanism. It is both a tool and a weapon, showcasing the metalworking skills of Batangueños. **Barong Tagalog** -- A formal embroidered shirt made from lightweight fabrics such as piña or jusi, traditionally worn by Filipino men. It represents Filipino elegance and heritage, often worn during special occasions and official events. **Ukit** -- A traditional woodcarving craft from Central Luzon, particularly in Pampanga and Paete, Laguna. Skilled artisans create intricate designs on furniture, religious statues, and architectural details. **Taka** -- A papier-mâché art form from Paete, Laguna, where handcrafted animal and human figures are made using paper, glue, and molds. These colorful decorations are often used for festivals and home décor. **Buri Weaving** -- A craft that involves weaving dried buri palm leaves into hats, mats, and bags. This traditional skill is commonly practiced in provinces like Aurora and Bataan, creating durable and eco-friendly products. **Piña Weaving** -- The art of weaving fine fibers from pineapple leaves to create luxurious fabric, primarily in Aklan and parts of Central Luzon. This delicate textile is used for Barong Tagalog and other formal attire, known for its soft texture and intricate embroidery. **Piña Jusi** -- A blend of piña and silk or abaca fibers, creating a more affordable yet elegant alternative to pure piña fabric. It is widely used for Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana dresses, offering durability and a smooth finish. **Nito Weaving** -- A traditional weaving technique using nito vines to create baskets, trays, and home décor. This indigenous craft highlights the resourcefulness and artistry of Filipino artisans. **Marble Crafting** -- A stone-carving industry centered in Romblon, where artisans sculpt marble into statues, furniture, and decorative items. Romblon marble is highly valued for its quality and natural beauty. **Manunggul Jar** -- A prehistoric burial jar discovered in Palawan, featuring intricate carvings of boatmen guiding the dead to the afterlife. This artifact is a symbol of early Filipino spirituality and artistry. **Puni** -- The art of palm leaf folding, traditionally used to create intricate decorations for religious and cultural events. Practiced in Bulacan and Pampanga, puni showcases Filipino creativity in turning simple leaves into beautiful ornaments. **BICOL REGION** **Abaca Weaving** -- A traditional craft in the Bicol region where fibers from the abaca plant are woven into textiles, ropes, and handicrafts. Known for its strength and durability, abaca fabric is used for clothing, bags, and home décor. **Sinamay** -- A fine, stiff fabric woven from abaca fibers, often used for hats, bags, and decorative packaging. Its lightweight yet durable quality makes it a popular material for fashion accessories and handicrafts. **Pili Nut Crafts** -- Handcrafted items made from the shells and wood of the pili nut tree, commonly found in Bicol. These crafts include jewelry, keychains, and home decorations, highlighting the region's resourcefulness. **Tiwi Pottery** -- A pottery tradition from Tiwi, Albay, where artisans mold and fire clay into jars, pots, and decorative pieces. Known for its durability and earthy aesthetic, Tiwi pottery is a testament to Bicolano craftsmanship. **Coconut Shell Crafts** -- Creative items made from polished coconut shells, including bowls, jewelry, and home décor. These eco-friendly crafts showcase the Bicol region's sustainable use of natural materials. **Karagumoy Hats** -- Handwoven hats made from karagumoy, a type of pandan plant, known for its flexibility and durability. These hats provide excellent sun protection and are commonly used by farmers and fishermen. **Karagumoy Mats** -- Traditional sleeping and decorative mats woven from karagumoy leaves, valued for their softness and breathability. These handcrafted mats are used in Filipino homes for comfort and cultural preservation.