Technological University of the Philippines
Ayala Boulevard, Ermita, Manila
College of Engineering
Electrical Engineering Department
ACTIVITY NO. 1
Name: Daquinag, Henry Theodore S.
Course/Year/Section: BSEE – 4F
BINAKOL WEAVING
In the northern provinces of the Philippines, particularly in Ilocos and Abra, lies a tradition deeply woven
into the cultural fabric of the Ilocano people (Itneg tribe),
which is the Binakol weaving, also known as binakel,
binakael, or binakul (Ilocano for “twill”). This handicraft is
not merely about threads and patterns; it's a profound
reflection of identity, history, and spirituality.
Binakol weaving material is carefully selected and
crafted. Abel cloth, a handwoven fabric made from cotton or
cotton-polyester blends, serves as the canvas. Natural dyes
extracted from plants, roots, and other organic sources provide
a spectrum of colors, which shows vibrant colors. Additionally,
metallic threads, including gold and silver, add a touch to the textiles,
elevating them to objects of beauty. Since Binakul is a uniform and
interwoven geometric design. Weaving is complicated, it can take up
to two weeks to set up a loom. Until today, they used traditional
backstrap looms, only a small group of women in the Ilocos region of
the Philippines are still practicing the craft. Weavers use dexterous
hands to manipulate warps and weft threads to create patterns, such as
brocade weaving and weft technique. It is an incredibly complex weaving
pattern, and some special pieces are almost psychedelic; circles woven within
squares, which move as one looks upon the cloth.
Symbolism imparts in every thread of Binakol weaving with importance.
Through generations, Binakol textiles have embodied the essence of the
Ilocano people, narrating tales of resilience and tradition. It is an illustration of
daily life in abstraction, the various motifs represent stories of life, also these
textiles were symbols of wealth and status, reserved for special occasions such
as weddings and festivals and lastly, Binakol patterns often carry spiritual meanings, echoing beliefs in
ancestral spirits and natural elements. The psychedelic pattern represents the waves of the sea and protects
against malevolent spirits by confusing or warding off malevolent spirits, by making the evil spirits dizzy.
Northern Luzon culture, notably in the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, is inextricably linked to
the Binakol weaving tradition. This centuries-old skill shows the region's creative prowess, as well as its
cultural identity and tradition.