The Ifugao ethnic groups of the Luzon Cordillera are among the most renowned ikat weavers in the Philippines. Local weavers in Ifugao have utilized ikat techniques to produce traditional textiles for various purposes, including prestige blankets for rituals, loincloths, and skirts (Respicio, 2014). Today, many Ifugao weavers continue to practice and innovate with ikat techniques, applying them to contemporary textiles such as table runners, table covers (Respicio, 2014), shawls, and gowns, among other items.


This textile from the collection is a sample swatch of ikat textile, locally known as binobodan, that is reminiscent of traditional Ifugao women's skirts. Notably, in addition to the familiar black and red stripes, the swatch features triangular figures identified as the inambayung motif. According to Martin et al. (2020), this motif is commonly incorporated into traditional skirts (gammit) and blankets (inlah’dang). Martin et al. (2020) further explain that the inambayung motif represents the convincer gods of the Ifugao known as the Halupe.

Moreover, another set of ikat motifs on this textile features a variation of the weaving shuttle-like motif, depicted in H-shaped forms known as hinikitan. Additionally, near the two weft edges of the swatch are rows of diamond motifs formed by dashed lines, which enhance the visual appeal of the textile.