Binakol (Kusikus or Alipugpug)
LOCAL NAME:
Binakol (Kusikus or Alipugpug)
ENGLISH NAME:
Old textile yardage
DESCRIPTION:
Abra, Tinguian, & Itneg:
A binakol yardage featuring sphere-like patterns and a red plaid design
COMMONLY USED BY/IN:
Abra, Tinguian, Itneg
MATERIAL COMPOSITION:
Cotton threads, Dye
ITEM CONSTRUCTION:
Double-toned basket weave, Stitching
DIMENSIONS:
Length
756 cm
Width
41.5 cm
ACQUISITION YEAR:
2021
RESEARCH DATA:
This is an old cloth textile that features a specific type of binakol – the kusikus/alipugpug or the whirlpool/whirlwind pattern – which looks like spherical patterns made out of graduated rectangles in negative and positive hues emanating from a center. By interlocking the weft and the warp, double-toned basket weaves that appear “twilled” are produced, which creates a mesmerizing or throbbing effect when seen by the viewer. The effect is meant to ward off malicious spirits (Salvador-Amores, 2019), and has references to the Itneg or Tinguian wind god – Alipugpug (Respicio, 2000). The patterns are separated by a red plaid design, arranging them into rows and providing a stark contrast to the monotonous double-toned spherical weave patterns (Respicio, 2014).
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