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The uplands of Northern Luzon serve as venues for a rich and dynamic
culture that highlights the artistry of the different indigenous
tribes—the Igorots, Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Ifugao and Bontoc. They are
known for their wonderful expertise in basketry, wood-carving, woven
fabrics, and accessories, and as well as modern artistic expressions
from the many contemporary artists that reside there.
The good news is, one doesn’t have to travel
to the highlands to appreciate these ethnic crafts. A trip to
Kultura Filipino, the store of all things Filipino, reveals the rich
cultural tradition of northern Philippines. Here are some great
• In the basket. Tribal baskets traditionally
serve the needs of the households like storing water and food like
rice, beans and coffee. Baskets are also used for keeping household
utensils, clothes and personal belongings. These are usually
fashioned from rattan and can also be used as back packs
• Wood works. Nature plays a great role in the
Igorot’s culture, with passages marked by rituals and religious
ceremonies. Because agriculture sustains life in the uplands, the
Bulul or Igorot rice god is a popular sculpture.
Beyond religious sculptures, northern tribes
have also become known for their wood works; bowls, storage
containers, utensils and weapons with animal, floral and religious
motifs.
• Wooden wonders. The Igorots are known for
their exquisitely woven fabrics fashioned into jackets, blankets,
skirts and accessories. Dyed dominantly in red, yellow and black,
these echo the beauty of nature in as these are fashioned into table
runners, place mats, wall hangings, bed linens, throw pillows,
clothing, bags, wallets and even area rugs.
• Call of the Cordilleras. A collection of
bags and T-shirts from Masferre with photographic images of the
Cordillera region transferred to bags and T-shirts. The photographs
were taken from 1934 to 1956 and are regarded as valuable documents
of the indigenous culture of the Cordillera people today.
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