Journal

The Yakan Saputangan: A Showcase of Skill, A Kaleidoscope of Colors

The Yakan are one of the indigenous groups in the Philippines who have a long tradition of weaving and their handwoven textiles are notable for their intricate geometric patterns and...

Abra: The Natural Dye Capital of the Philippines

Abra, located in northern Luzon of the Philippines, is referred to as the “Natural Dye Capital of the Philippines” for its abundance of natural dye-producing materials and practices, handed down...

The Woven Bags of the Cordillera

The mountains of the Cordillera region in the Philippines are a sight to behold. Cool streams wind through rolling hills and stately trees. Lush rice terraces and vegetable fields spread...

Messages from the Past

MESSAGES—It’s not often you find messages from your ancestors directly to you and your children. I remember my husband mentioning to me that his great-grandfather was an author and, somehow,...

The Weaving of Kalinga

The province of Kalinga is one of the many places in the Philippines where the practice of traditional backstrap loom weaving not only survives but thrives. The Kalinga weavers produce...

The Hand Embroidery of Lumban, Laguna

The Tagalog word for embroidery is burda (pronunciation: boor-DA). It refers to both the activity (pagbuburda) and the product. But in the town of Lumban in the Philippines, burda is...

The Inabel of Ilocos: Woven Cloth for Everyday

The inabel is one of the many prides of the Ilocos region in the Philippines. “Abel” is the Ilocano word for weave, and “inabel” can be interpreted to mean any kind of...

Baybayin: The Ancient Filipino Script Lives On

Baybayin is one of the precolonial writing systems used by early Filipinos. The term “baybayin” comes from the Tagalog root word baybay, which means “to spell.” There has been a resurgence...

Official! Check out our press release about our launch

NARRA STUDIO is a new social enterprise and cultural shop featuring a curated collection of clothing, accessories, and objects that highlight artisans and manghahabi (weavers) from all over the Philippines. Created by Filipino...

The Tboli Brass Casting Tradition

The T’boli’s brass casting tradition is held in high regard for their exquisite accessories and objects made of brass, such as bells, rings, necklaces, belts, and bangles. No two T’boli brass pieces are...

Weaving Communities in Mindanao

Join us in learning more about weaving communities in Mindanao, Philippines. Weaving of the Manobo, Bagobo, Kulaman, Mandaya, B'laan, T'boli, Maranao, Yakan, and more.

Weaving Communities in Luzon

Join us through a tour of weaving communities in the Philippines starting from the north on the island of Luzon, to south at the island of Mindoro.