RESEARCH DATA:

The kinamayan is distinguished by its indigo background woven in diamond twill, decorated lengthwise with red and white bands and white embroidery across the fabric. In this inspired variation of the kinamayan by textile revivalist Patis Tesoro, the traditional features are retained, but the fabric is woven in plain weave instead of diamond twill. An interesting feature is the braided thread stitched on top of each red band, which extends beyond the edges of the skirt to form tassels. Furthermore, the embroidered designs include stars (sinan-bituen), rice stalks (palay), and lizards. The term kinamayan translates to "hand-made" or "handwoven," referring to the hand-embroidered details of the garment. Traditionally, the kinamayan is used in rituals such as dawak, diyaman, and allap, ceremonies conducted to honor and appease deities, often linked to agricultural practices, protection, and healing (Aquino, 2005; Respicio, 2000). Typically worn by a diviner or priestess called manganito, it is often accompanied by tadek, the ceremonial dance of the Itneg or Tinguian people (Respicio, 1994).