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Binakol (Sinan-dappak kusa) (Tinguian)
(Sinan-paddak ti pusa) (Iloco) (a)

LOCAL NAME:

Binakol (Sinan-dappak kusa) (Tinguian)
(Sinan-paddak ti pusa) (Iloco) (a)

ENGLISH NAME:

Blanket with cat’s paw design

DESCRIPTION:

Abra, Tinguian, Itneg, Ilocos, & Ilocano: Binakol (Sinan-dappak kusa) (Tinguian)
(Sinan-paddak ti pusa) (Iloco)
A three-paneled red binakol blanket featuring cat’s paws design

COMMONLY USED BY/IN:

Abra, Tinguian, Itneg, Ilocos, Ilocano

MATERIAL COMPOSITION:

Cotton threads, Natural dye

ITEM CONSTRUCTION:

Double-toned basket weave, Embroidery, Stitching, Dyeing

DIMENSIONS:

Length
185 cm

Width
153 cm

ACQUISITION YEAR:

2016

RESEARCH DATA:

Binakol blankets are distinguished by their spherical patterns, which are created from graduated rectangles emanating from a central point. The term binakol/binakul/binakael itself translates to ‘made-spherical’ (Pastor-Roces, 1991, p. 77). However, there are variants of binakol that do not strictly resemble spheres but retain the defining element of graduated rectangles—rectangles that vary in size and orientation to form distinctive shapes. One such variant is the sinan-paddak ti pusa, or cat’s paw print design. This pattern begins with four small, cross-like boxes at the center, framed by elongated rectangles that emphasize the cross-shaped motif. Surrounding this are larger squares that echo the digital pads or outer paws of a cat.

REFERENCES:

Respicio, N. (2000). The Dynamics of Textiles Across Cultures in Northern Luzon, Philippines. Unpublished PhD Dissertation. University of the Philippines Diliman.

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