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 badworks 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 or cape from the collection is made up of three panels, each joined by a triangle-like embroidery in colors red, yellow, and green. The same embroidery design is also found on its neckline, which extends to its braided and front tie closure with pom-poms. The openings are lined with thick embroidery and alternating orange and yellow pom-poms with bead embellishments, showcasing the 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.