Habi | Weave Collection #3 (Binakul)

Binakol: A Unique and Beloved Indigenous Filipino Textile

Binakul, a rare textile native to the province of Abra in the Philippines, is renowned for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors. It has been woven into the fabric of Itneg (Tinguan) culture for generations, serving as a material for clothing, accessories, and decorative items.

Crafting Binakul is a laborious process that involves weaving threads together using a backstrap loom. The weavers use the "ikat" technique, dying threads in a blend of colors before weaving them together with precision to create the final product.

Binakul embodies the creativity and resourcefulness of the Itneg people who have been able to create such a unique and beautiful textile by utilizing traditional methods passed down through generations. Despite the challenges Binakul weavers face in the modern world, such as competition from machine-made textiles and a lack of support for traditional crafts, there is a growing interest in preserving this important part of Itneg heritage.

Organizations are working towards supporting Binakul weavers and promoting the use of this beautiful textile in contemporary fashion and design. By embracing the beauty and significance of Binakul, we can help preserve and promote Itneg culture, ensuring that this important part of our heritage is not lost to the passage of time.

Whether you wear it as clothing, use it as a decorative piece, or simply appreciate its beauty, Binakul is a truly special textile that deserves to be celebrated and cherished for generations to come.

In addition to its aesthetic value, Binakul also holds significant cultural and historical importance. The patterns and colors used in the textile often have symbolic meanings that reflect the beliefs and traditions of the Abra people. For example, the use of red and black in some patterns represents the duality of life and death, while other patterns may depict elements from nature or important events in the community.

Binakul also serves as a source of livelihood for many weavers in the Abra province, particularly women who have passed down the skill from generation to generation. By supporting the production and sale of Binakul textiles, we can help provide sustainable income for these skilled artisans and contribute to the preservation of traditional crafts.

As we continue to appreciate and promote the beauty and cultural significance of Binakul, we can ensure that this unique Filipino textile remains a cherished part of our heritage and a symbol of the creativity and resilience of the Filipino people.