The Tapis of the Kalinga Tribe

The tapis, a costume indigenous to the Kalinga and Apayao. It is a rectangular cloth, women wear as a wraparound skirt.
The garment is woven with back trap body tension looms, embroidered with nature inspired patterns and are sometimes adorned with mother of pearl platelets and shells which represent wealth prestige in the area.
In the Northern Luzon, women from town of Lubuagan in Kalinga weave to earn an income that vital in providing the needs for the families. Weaving in Kalinga is tradition that is passed on to the subsequent generations from mother to daughter.
Girls begin to weave as early as 10 years old. Men also participate in making the craft. Some of the design includes mountains, birds, lakes and stars.

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