RESEARCH DATA:

This textile is an innovation by Patis Tesoro of the baal or loincloth for Itneg men, woven on a green background and embellished with twisted fringes at the ends. The entire length is “textured” by subtle brocade weaves of green zigzag patterns, which almost appear invisible against the same shade of green at the background. As in most loincloths in the Luzon Cordillera, notable elements are found near the lower edges, including diamond-like patterns in supplementary weft and cream embroideries. The first embroidery design features tiny zigzag patterns surrounded by palmate shapes. These are locally known as the sinan-ramay (finger-like) design, which some interpret as representing palay (rice stalks). Meanwhile, the second and third embroideries depict human forms in a lying position (sinan-tao) and crouching frogs (sinan-tokak). Traditionally, the sinan-tokak is believed to bring good fortune and abundance to their agricultural practices.