RESEARCH DATA:

The Cordillera people are known to have incorporated basketwork into many aspects of their daily life and culture, a ubiquitous object that is present from cradle to grave (Capistrano-Baker, 1998). This item from the collection is an example of a bagket, a maternity girdle worn by women postpartum. Postpartum girdles are known to have been used by women to support their bodies after giving birth. Girdles help regulate mobility, pain, and even swelling. This bagket is made of bamboo strips, twill-woven, and shaped like a belt with a belt loop that holds the girdle together when worn.

REFERENCES:

Capistrano-Baker, F. H. (1998). Containing Life: Philippines Basketry Traditions on the Cordillera. In Basketry of the Luzon Cordillera, Philippines. Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History.