RESEARCH DATA:

The Ga’dang people are known for their intricate beadwork and use of multi-colored threads in their textiles. A testament to their exquisite craftsmanship, this textile serves as an upper garment for men, paired with a loincloth or abag; both of which are heavily beaded. Beads are sewn onto the armholes and bottom edges in triangular forms called kutilap (San Agustin, 2007), and are hung along the front closure and side edges. The kuton is sleeveless, although a variant with long sleeves also exists. It has no collar but features a neck lining that extends to a thick cord thread, which serves as a front tie closure. When worn, the midrib and stomach are exposed, but this bareness is offset by accessories such as the sayay, a long pouch hung from the neck to the hips, and the cape or tapet, which extends below the knees (San Agustin, 2007). The bodice is predominantly designed with plain-woven stripes, locally known as la-lad, which also feature vertical inammata, or eye-like patterns. The back part of this garment also shows hanging bead embellishments.