Kalinga launches coffee table book showcasing ‘Laga’ indigenous textile

Tabuk City, Kalinga – In time for the commemoration of National Indigenous Peoples Month, Kalinga launched a hundred-page coffee table book showcasing the time-honored Kalinga Laga, a traditional form of backstrap weaving that continues to thrive in the province.

A fruit of decade-long research by the provincial tourism office, the book, which discusses the cultural and anthropological background of Kalinga weaving, was launched on Monday, Oct. 23.

Provincial Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i shared that the making of the book was initiated by their office 'since the province never published any narrative of its history or culture’.

The making of the book is one way of preserving the cultural practice of ‘Laga’ amid modern influences, apart from supporting ‘laga’ weavers and teaching young children how to weave.

“This book is not only a demonstration of the great sense of indigenous ingenuity using nature as inspiration coupled with artistry and beauty, but it also offers a breadth of view of the rich culture of the Kalinga people,” the provincial tourism officer stated.

She added that while the articles ‘present a cultural and anthropological background of Kalinga weaving, the intricate indigenous textile quietly but vividly relays a mountain tribe's inimitable heritage, giving beauty to the whole handcrafted creations while preserving age-old traditions.’

As to its content, the book has three parts, which include the ‘Laga’ history and culture, its economic impact and sustainability for the Kalinga community, and the Silk Innovation of Kalinga State University-Rizal Campus.

A resolution approving and adopting the book as part of the local inventory of cultural property in the province was already crafted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Likewise, the penned resolution also mandated the submission of a copy of the book to the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for inclusion in the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP).

Meanwhile, Ngao-i clarified that though printed copies are now available, only identified government offices and organizations will be getting a copy since the funding is limited.

However, to accommodate private orders, Ngao-i said they will be printing additional copies for sale.

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