RESEARCH DATA:

This textile from the collection is an upper garment worn by Kalinga men and women. It features three-quarter sleeves and a plain white background, woven with multiple variations of checkered patterns in supplementary weft near the armholes, sleeve ends, and bottom edges. According to Pastor-Roces (1991), the use of red and yellow, particularly red, is a traditional weaving preference among the Kalinga and Ga’dang peoples; though this preference tends to lessen rom Abra southwards to Bontoc (pp. 55–56). To join the panels of this garment, which are found at the armholes connecting to the bodice and the middle part of the back, stitching and embroidery were used. The garment has no collar, but has a crew-style neckline embellished with striped embroidery in red and yellow, from which a thin cord extends and functions as a front tie closure. Additionally, several slits at the bottom edges of the blouse provide fitting allowances for the wearer.