RESEARCH DATA:

The kinamayan is a textile traditionally used as a ritual item by a diviner or priestess (known as a manganito) in various Itneg or Tinguian ceremonies, typically those that involve appeasing their gods. Aquino (2005) noted that kinamayan textiles are also used during rituals and events such as the dawak, diyaman, and allap. In certain instances, it is also used during the performance of the traditional dance called the tadek (Respicio, 1994). The term "kinamayan" translates to "hand-made" or "handwoven," referring to the hand-embroidered designs that are a prominent feature of the skirt.

This two-paneled wrap-around skirt from the collection is an innovation by Patis Tesoro, inspired by the traditional plaid textiles of Ilocos and the kinamayan textiles of Abra. The kinamayan textile typically features embroidery motifs of frogs, human figures, and plants. On this textile, frog-like, lizard-like, star-like (asterisk), and zigzag motifs are embroidered.