Baal (a)
LOCAL NAME:
Baal (a)
ENGLISH NAME:
Loincloth/Belt
DESCRIPTION:
Abra, Tinguian, & Itneg: Baal
A fringed loincloth in indigo, red, and white stripes with white diamond pattern near the bottom ends of the textile.
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Abra, Tinguian, Itneg
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Thread, Dye
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
Brocade Weave, Embroidery, Stitching
DIMENSIONS:
Length
201 cm
Width
19. 5 cm
Fringes
5 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
DISPLAY STATUS:
BURC
RESEARCH DATA:
This textile from the collection is a loincloth or baal commonly used in Abra by Tingguian or Itneg men. It was owned by Agapito Baula from Boliney, Abra, as indicated in the writings on the textile. Loincloths like this serve a dual purpose, functioning both as garments and as balikes/barikes—belts that secure the garment in place
The diamond pattern near the bottom ends of the textile is identified as a python skin-like pattern (Respicio, 2000), woven using a brocade technique that embosses the diamond and enhances the striped textile. The warp ends of the textile were turned into twisted fringes, securing the weft threads from unraveling.
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