Textile Item Number: Ia73 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Long and narrow abaca ikat. Dark brown ground with beige figures and orange/red details. 6 design sections; 3 patterns mirrored from centre. From brown band at centre; 1 is 3 horizontal rows of 8 1/2 elongated ovals with filigreed edges; vague crab-like ? design at centres. Vertical red lines run discontinuously with circles and ovals at regular intervals. 2 is rows of diamonds on elongated diamonds, frog-like shapes in diamonds, some filigree and red dots and ovals. Design is not regular on one side. 3 is rows of stylized figures which can be viewed top or bottom; arms are out and up at 45 degrees, forming legs of next row. Body has two red ovals joined with line, red and beige dots, hand-like filigree; heads have triangulated chins, stylized noses. Beige meanders between designs 1 and 2 and 2 and 3. Fringe is brown warp fibres, several longer than the rest.
History Of Use
T'nalak cloths are used for blankets or for clothing. It is an important part of marriage exchanges, used to insure safe births, and also featured at certain feasts. It is woven on a back strap loom.
Cultural Context
Used for blankets and clothing.
Iconographic Meaning
The second design maybe the 'bangala' design if the frog-like figure is seen as a man (Casal). 'Bangala' represents 'a man secure in his house'. Symmetrical humans may be the 'logi', a frontal geometric figure. Other possibilities are the crab 'kleng' and the frog 'tofi' patterns (Casal).
Item History
- Made in Philippines before 1980
- Collected before 1980
- Owned by Dorian Rae before October 31, 1980
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Dorian Rae (Seller) on October 31, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- T'Boli
- Previous Owner
- Dorian Rae
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Dorian Rae (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Philippines
When
- Creation Date
- before 1980
- Collection Date
- before 1980
- Ownership Date
- before October 31, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on October 31, 1980
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0677/0017