Kalinga Province

    Clothing and fabrics are essential elements of any culture. It recognizes the history and influences of some communities.  A thousand years ago, the people learned to weave.       Kalinga province is one of the many places in the Philippines where the practice of traditional backstrap loom weave has not only survived but prospered. Kalinga weavers make handmade fabrics for a variety of uses, from traditional fabrics for clothing and ritual use to commercial fabrics intended for home decoration, souvenirs, bags, and accessories.      The main weaving center in Kalinga is the village of Mabilong in the town of Lubuagan. Mabilong weavers are known for their backstrap weaving techniques, which they pass on to their daughters once the loom is enabled. But weaving is not just for women - male family members are also involved in the activity.      When the women finished weaving a fabric, the men came in and sewed the designs. The motif and symbol designs are inspired by environmental ele