Ifugao

Ifugao blanket, natural dye ikat, pure cotton
61" width x 81" height
Origin: Ifugao
Weaver: Marlon Martin

Ifugao Ikat Skirt Wrap, pure cotton, naturally dyed with mahogany, with plain weave bands or borders.
80" width x 36" height
Origin: Ifugao
Weaver: Marlon Martin

The Ifugao people from the province of the same name are probably most known for their rice terraces in Hapao, Hungduan, high in the central Cordillera mountains. It has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Of the four main groups of the Ifugao people, the most active of the weavers are the Tuwali.

The Ifugao people are known for their ikat fabrics. The term 'ikat' describes a resist-dyeing weaving technique whereby threads are bundled and tied with water-resistant material to resist dyeing in certain areas. Threads can be dyed more than once to create different patterns.

The Ifugao blanket in the collection is a modern secular interpretation of the sacred death blanket which not just anyone can have. The dots in pyramid formation symbolize rice plants, the "S" is a snake representing good life, and the star, shield, and eagle are status symbols.

For further studies: Warp ikat breadth and depth