The Tapis of Kalinga Tribe

In Central Cordillera art is part of everyone's daily life and is intrinsically linked to community and spiritual well being. From the town of Lubuagan in Kalinga, women weave to earn an income that provides the needs of their families. Weaving in Kalinga is a tradition that is passed generations. Girls begin to weave at the age of 10. Men also participate in making the craft. 

Lots of communities share techniques and similar motifs and colour schemes on the woven products. But then, Kalinga Clothing is unique among others especially their wraparound skirt wear by women. This type of wraparound skirt is generally knows as "Tapis" in tagalog and is Kain" to the Kalinga.

 Tapis or Kain of Kalinga

The garments are worn during rituals, festivals, weddings and other special occassions. The design motifs and symbols are inspired from the elements in the environment such as animals, mountains and stars. The colors and designs have specific meanings that made the product theorematic.

Weavers take care with their choices of products for which it is their way of preserving their traditions and culture and also to show the uniqueness of Kalinga's woven products. 

Credits to the rightful owner of the pictures.

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