Ilocanos
The
Ilocanos are among the largest ethno-linguistic groups in the country. Majority
of them are living in La Union, Abra, Isabela and in other parts of the
country. The Ilocanos are highly influenced by Christianity.
They are
known for their iloco or inabel fabric. This especial fabric is made from
cotton which undergo the pains taking binatbatan or beating of the cotton balls
using bamboo sticks to separate the seeds during the initial stage. The
traditional threads are dyed from the sap of black plum called Sagut that are
abundant in Mangaldan in Pangasinan but artificially dyes already introduced
for commercial production. Ilocanos are also noted for their foods such as the
dininding and pakbet. Two of the most loved dishes in our country today.
Pangasinan
Pangasinan
is known as the salt capital of the region during the pre-Hispanic times.
Popular stories says it is a Muslim kingdom trading with Arabs and Chinese an
was the land once ruled by Urduja, a warrior princess who fought and won many
battles during her time. Arts and crafts include the smoothly waved Bolinao
mats made from buri or raffia leaves, the bamboo crafts of San Carlos, bagoong
and the tasty Tapang bangus.
Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
Benguet || It is located in the Cordillera
Autonomous Region (CAR). It is the home for the cordilleran (the politically
correct team for Igorots). Igorots are hillside dwellers. This condition
explains why most of them are farmers and their artistic expressions are
related to farming such as the tinalik basket made from rattan. They are also
famous because of their farming on terraces carved out of the mountain.
Kalinga || The
people of Kalinga are also great weavers. Their cloth weaving and basketry are
among the finest products in the region. Kalinga textiles are characterized by
dominant red stripes and motif’s of geometric patterns as well as nature
symbols interfaced with white, yellow, and black fibers. The term Ifugao means
people from the hills that is why non-Cordilleran's called them Igorots but
they prefer the first name. their arts and culture revolves around rice.
Ifugao || The
Ifugaos weave a loincloth called Ikat which is actually an Indonesian term,
meaning to bind together. Their motif is characterized by diamond stripes of
white and red stripes. The dominant color is blue. The Ifugaos are also great
basket weavers. They are also known for amulets that are made of beads, gold,
bronze and other materials. This amulets are called lingling-o or dinumug used
as fertility symbols and worn around the neck.
It is
located in the Cordillera central mountain and known for its hanging coffins
and mummified bodies. They employed special burial techniques that could equal the
techniques of mummification in ancient Egypt. The humid air and atmosphere in
Mountain province caves helped preserved bodies. These mummies are called fire
mummies, Benguet mummies, kabayan mummies and many more names.
Mountain Province (Home
of Ibalois)
It is located in the Cordillera central mountain and
known for its hanging coffins and mummified bodies. They employed special
burial techniques that could equal the techniques of mummification in ancient
Egypt. The humid air and atmosphere in Mountain province caves helped preserved
bodies. These mummies are called fire mummies, Benguet mummies, kabayan mummies
and many more names.
The province is also known for their kadangyan burial
cloth for rich people. Tattoo art is another form of folk arts in Mountain
Province. Tattoo is part of clothing and is considered decoration. The people
of Bontoc are also great weavers.
The Bontocs are known for their different types of
baskets such as the bobo and suklang. Ikat weaving is important among the
Bontocs.
Abra
The original settlers of Abra are the ancestors of
Bontocs and Ifugaos. When they left Abra and settled in the Ifugao and Mountain
province. The people of Abra use natural dye and still practicing loom weaving
and they embellish the woven fabric cloth of embroideries in their fabrics.
