Baal (f)
LOCAL NAME:
Baal (f)
ENGLISH NAME:
Loincloth/Belt
DESCRIPTION:
Abra, Tinguian, & Itneg: Baal
A fringed loincloth in indigo, red, and white stripes with a yellow zigzag/diamond pattern near the bottom ends of the textile.
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Abra, Tinguian, Itneg
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Cotton threads, Natural dye
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
Plain weave, Brocade weave, Stitching
DIMENSIONS:
Length
213 cm
Width
22.5 cm
Fringes
13 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
RESEARCH DATA:
This textile from the collection is a loincloth, or baal, commonly worn by Tingguian or Itneg men in Abra. Loincloths like this serve a dual purpose, worn either as garments or as belts to help secure clothing in place. They are locally known as balikes or barikes.
The diamond pattern near the bottom ends of the textile is identified as a python skin-like pattern (Respicio, 2000). It is woven using a brocade technique that embosses the diamond motifs and enhances the striped textile. The warp ends of the textile are finished with knotted fringes, which secure the weft threads and prevent unraveling.
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