philippines
Everlasting charm, where colours infuse the profound spirituality woven into timeless traditions and memory.
Elegance in the Breath of Nature
The legacy of Austronesian ancestors lives on in the textile memory, evident in various forms such as woven textile, beadmaking, tie dye, and Piña textiles. Each textile portrays symbols that embody legends and convey profound philosophical meanings and historical roots of its community of practice.
Textile art is viewed as a spiritual practice within the community, a way to showcase their devotion and beliefs in nature consciousness. Alongside established religions, the belief in nature consciousness, also known as animism, pervades the way of life in the insular communities of the Philippines, ensuring the preservation of tradition. Discovering Philippines textile heritage, a piece of textile serves as an internal dialogue between the weaver and the messages they aim to convey through imagery and symbolic drawings. Fabrics not only act as a means of expression but also as a testament to timeless connections and the values that transcend woven structures and ornaments.
Photo credit: Pattern used in Yakan textiles (Donna Louise Branhall) presented in Yodisphere
Philipppines motifs
History
humans & divinity
Photo credit: courtesy of National Museum of the Philippines 2023
EARLY INFLUENCE OF PHILIPPINES TEXTILE HERITAGE
Prior to modern education, Philippines textile artisans relied on oral stories passed down from older generations to nurture ancient wisdom and depict the intricate relationship between humans and nature. These ancestral artisans recognized the significance of cultivating natural knowledge derived from the earth, sea, and sky for the betterment of human civilization. Through their exceptional skills in agriculture, navigation, and astronomy, they crafted a remarkable legacy for Philippine society.
Geometrical patterns and the use of vibrant colors and intricate lines capture the essence of ancient wisdom in the visual language. By reflecting deeply on nature, these patterns create a sense of universal connection between humans, the divine, and the cosmos. The indigenous people of the Philippines islands have honed their ability to align with the frequencies of nature. Through textile arts, individuals can convey their contemplation of the natural order through geometric forms and harmonized visual designs. The interpretation of these symbolic meanings varies depending on the viewer’s perspective and their spiritual understanding.
Photo credit: courtesy of National Museum of the Philippines 2023
PIÑA TEXTILE & CONTEMPORARy heritage
Tracing its origins back to the 1570s during the Spanish occupation, Piña textile is a Philippines renowned intangible cultural heritage. Breathing the elegance of nature, this exquisite textile is crafted from the leaves of the Red Spanish pineapple, meticulously cultivated for its long leaves that serves as the exquisite material for an elegant fabric. The production process is a testament to the Philippines’ heritage, involving the extraction, cleaning, and drying of pineapple plant fibers, refined with skillful hand knotting work to transform them into delicate threads. These threads are then woven into cloth using specialized foot looms, resulting in a handmade textile renowned for its craftsmanship. Often reserved for haute couture, piña fabric is further elevated with intricate embroidery, showcasing the artistry and refinement that define this national treasure.
In the 17-19th CE, skilled stitchery and embroidery were acquired by most elite women through lessons from Spanish rulers. As a contemporary textile art, Piña handwork is highly sought after by royals, following the popularity of Spanish and French laces. Western Visayas, especially in Kalibo, Aklan, is renowned for its piña textile in the Philippines. In this city, visitors will discover the finest piña textile products, including exquisite wedding veils, Barong Tagalog, and hand-woven treasures. A remarkable journey through time, Piña textile delights in the timeless allure spanning centuries. Photo credit: courtesy of National Museum of the Philippines 2023
techniques variety
PHILIPPINES TEXTILE HERITAGE
ikat weaving
Photo credit: Puspita A. Permatasari with the permission of Queen Sirikit Museum of Thailand 2023
Ikat Weaving
The term ‘Ikat’ comes from Malay language and means to ‘bind’ or ‘tie’. This refers to decoration technique using warp threads, weft threads, or both (double ikat) prior to cloth weaving. In certain communities, the ikat weaving process is closely tied to ritual practices. Experienced weavers follow rules such as fasting, starting on an auspicious day. Ikat technique is practiced by artisans in Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Embroidery
Photo credit: Puspita A. Permatasari 2023
Embroidery
Regarded as an intergenerational craftmanship, the distinctive style of embroideries portrays the exquisite textile heritage of each country in Southeast Asia. In Vietnam, this art is centered in the Hue area, while Thai-style embroidery (ผ้าปัก) characterizes the fine arts of royal court since the nineteenth century. In Philippines, this craftmanship is considered stitchery and embroidery, adorning Piña textile to the finest quality.
beadswork
Photo credit: Chloe, Alicia, Puspita A. Permatasari 2023
Beadswork
Beadwork is a craft technique that involves the use of beads to create decorative or functional objects, including jewelry, clothing embellishments, and bags. Archaeological evidence from East Timor site indicates the use of seed Coix lacryma-jobi dated to approximately pre-3000 BC.
journey of thousand miles
silk road maritime textile research documentary
COUNTRY
philippines
explore the lands of abundance
stroll the city and more
Explore the vibrant heritage of textile heritage regions/countries along the magnificent Southeast Asian Silk Road. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales woven through Philippines textile cities, and visit the splendid National Museum of the Philippines in Manila to delve deeper into the beauty of insular cultures. Discover the artistry and legacy that has shaped Philippines cultural identity, as you feel the atmosphere. Reveal the secrets of Philippines textile traditions and let this discovery transport you to a world of remarkable beauty and fascinating stories. Photo credit: @Puspita A. Permatasari 2023.
“Pandanggo” is a popular folk dance in the Philippines, also known as “the dance of lights,” and simulates fireflies at dusk and at night. Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Nicholas Wilson via Wikipedia Public Domain
DESTINATIONS
National Museum of the Philippines in Manila
The National Museum of the Philippines holds a special place as an institution dedicated to education, science, and culture. Its mission is to acquire, document, preserve, exhibit, and promote the scholarly study and public appreciation of art, specimens, and cultural and historical artifacts that embody the unique heritage of the Filipino people and the natural history of the Philippines. In Manila, you’ll find the enchanting museum complex that includes the National Museum of Fine Arts, The National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Natural History, all nestled in Rizal Park. Dive into the captivating world of these museums and explore the wonders of Philippines cultural heritage. Photo credit. Photo credit: @Puspita A. Permatasari 2023.
Website: National Museum of the Philippines (nationalmuseum.gov.ph)
Ayala Museum in Makati, Metro Manila,
The Ayala Museum is a must-visit museum, located in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. Supported by the Ayala Foundation, this museum houses a treasure trove of archaeological artifacts, ethnographic wonders, captivating historical pieces, fine arts masterpieces, precious numismatics, and exquisite artefacts exhibitions. Delighting in the rich heritage of the Philippines, the museum also features captivating exhibitions that celebrate the country’s magnificent textile traditions and the timeless beauty of ceramics. Photo credit: @Puspita A. Permatasari 2023.
Website: Ayala Museum (ayalamuseum.org)
The Manila cathedral the Archdiocese in Intramuros, Manila
This solemn bell-towered building is Manila Cathedral, a beloved Roman Catholic minor basilica nestled in the historic walled city of Manila, Philippines. With a deep devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this magnificent structure holds a special place in the hearts of Manila citizens. Over the years, the cathedral has endured numerous trials. Withstanding damage and destruction since its inception in 1581, until the eighth structure was finally completed in 1958. Experience the rich history and awe-inspiring beauty of Manila and its living heritage. Photo credit: @Puspita A. Permatasari 2023.
Website: Manila Cathedral – Basilica (manilacathedral.com.ph)