The uplands of Northern Luzon are host to a
dynamic culture that highlights the artistry of the different
indigenous tribes in the area such as the Igorot, Ibaloi,
Kankanaey, Ifugao, and Bontoc. They are known for their
tradition in basketry, wood carving, woven fabrics, and
accessories as well as modern artistic expressions from the many
contemporary artists that reside in the location.
You do not need to go that for because these
ethnic crafts are offered by Kultura Filipino. Here is a
selection of the items you will find:
•In the basket. Tribal baskets
traditionally serve the needs of the household like storing
water and food like rice, beans, and coffee. It is also used for
keeping utensils, clothes and personal belongings and is usually
fashioned from rattan because of its durability. These baskets
are also used as backpacks when working on the terraces or while
hunting. Today, these baskets serve as decoration for the home.
It can perk up a bare corner or make an interesting centerpiece.
•Wood works. Nature plays a great role in
the Igorot people’s culture with passages marked by religious
ceremonies. Their survival once depended on the rice they grew
on mountain terraces, the Bulul or Igorot rice god is a popular
sculpture. Northern tribes also are famous for their wood works
like: bowls, storage containers, utensils, and weapons with
animal, floral and religious motifs. The store highlights wooden
crafts in mahogany, narra and molave.
•Wooden wonders. The Igorots are also
known for woven fabrics dyed dominantly in red, yellow, and
black.It is fashioned into jackets, blankets, skirts and
accessories.
• Ethnic contempo. Upland tribes have
worn beaded jewelry to indicate their status in the community.
It is made of glass and plastic, shaped through heat and molded
by hand. It compliments any modern wardrobe.
•The call of the Cordilleras. Also
available is a collection of bags and t-shirts from Masferre
with photographic images of the Cordillera region. The snapshots
were taken from 1934-1956 and today are regarded as valuable
documents of the Cordillera people.
Kultura Filipino is located at SM Makati, SM Megamall, the
Block at SM City North Edsa, and the Mall of Asia.
