RESEARCH DATA:

This textile from the collection is a reinterpretation of the traditional kinamayan wrap-around skirt, designed by textile revivalist Patis Tesoro. Unlike the typical diamond twill weave, this version features a plain weave background (Pastor-Roces, 1991). Among its striking designs are red and white lengthwise bands, two of which are adorned with braided threads that extend beyond the side edges to create tassels. These bands are interspersed with white embroidery depicting stars (sinan-bituen), rice stalks (palay), and lizards. The term “kinamayan” translates to "hand-made" or "handwoven," alluding to the hand-embroidered elements of the skirt. Traditionally, the kinamayan is used during various rituals, such as the dawak, diyaman, and allap, which are performed to honor and appease deities; often linked to agricultural practices, protection, and healing functions (Aquino, 2005; Respicio, 2000). It is typically worn by a diviner or priestess, known as manganito, and is often followed by the tadek, the traditional Itneg or Tinguian dance (Respicio, 1994).