RESEARCH DATA:

On special occasions, the tapet is worn together with the Ga’dang traditional attire (Araneta and Lim, 2014) – all heavily-embellished with multiple-colored beadworks and plain woven striped-designs called the la-lad (San Agustin, 2007). Woven with a blue-indigo striped background, the tapet provides a stark contrast to their predominantly red upper and lower garment ensemble.

This particular tapet is a single-paneled cape, with decorative horizontal diamond embroideries which creates the illusion of a multi-paneled textile. The same embroidery design is also found on its neckline, which extends to its braided and front tie closure with pom-poms. Its openings are also lined with a distinctive checkered and funnel-like embroidery, together with alternating orange and yellow pom-poms with bead implements on the hemlines – all of which are evidence of Ga’dang’s exquisite craftsmanship and weaving tradition.

REFERENCES:

Araneta, P. & Lim A. R. (2014). Art and the Order of Nature: The Mercedes Zobel Collection of Indigenous Philippine Textiles. Ayala Foundation, Inc.

San Agustin, L. (2007). The Gaddangs and their Tribal Attire. In The Traditional Attires of the Igorot Tribes (pp.105-126). . Central Book Supply, Inc.