Museo Kordilyera Opens Handwoven Tales Exhibit

Museo Kordilyera, the ethnographic museum of the University of the Philippines -Baguio opened a new exhibit called Handwoven Tales: The Warp and Weft of Cordillera Textiles last Nov. 15. The exhibit features different types of handwoven textiles by different ethnic groups in the Cordillera. It also includes some interactive elements such as traditional implements and tools used in weaving.

A Testament to Creative Baguio

The exhibit’s opening also coincides with the 2nd Creative City Festival which runs from Nov. 16 to 24. This year’s festival called Ibagiw Festival, celebrates everything creative that is especially made in Baguio. In 2017, Baguio was designated as a Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Among the crafts recognized were weaving, basketry, metalcraft and woodcarving.

UP Baguio, through Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos has been a leading supporter of the city’s bid as a creative city. And this exhibit is part of the university’s commitment to promote Baguio towards activating its creative economy.

Stunning, Informative and Interactive

The exhibit takes a deeper dive into the tradition of the weaving in the Cordillera region. Entitled the Warp and Weft, it gives the viewer a better understanding of the region’s culture as told in its handwoven masterpieces. “The warp and weft  go beyond form as they create narratives of identity, social differentiation, political purpose, religious creed, and belief in the afterlife,” the introduction to the exhibit reads.

Beyond its historical and cultural significance, museum visitors can also appreciate the stunning beauty of different weaves from different ethnic groups in the region. Each one is distinctly different from the other, in their use of colors, symbols and patterns.

The exhibit also benefited from the Cordillera Textiles Project, a multi-disciplinary  research done by UP Baguio through funding from the university as well as other donors. Various weaving associations from within the region contributed to the exhibit, as well as private individuals who loaned their pieces to the collection.

Fashion: Where Tradition Meets Modern

During the opening program of the exhibit, the audience was treated to a fashion show of the works of local designer Harvic Dominguez. This local designer has been making waves in the local fashion scene with his tasteful and balanced mix of traditional weaves with modern designs.

He presented his designs for both men and women, making use of each province’s distinctive weaves.

Museo Kordilyera is located within the UP-Baguio campus along Gov. Pack Road. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 5pm. Admission fees for adults are at PhP 60; non-UP students with valid ID only pay PhP 30, while senior citizens and PWDs only pay PhP45. Visit Creative Baguio for more information on the events for the Ibagiw Festival.