Bahag

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The statue of Lapu-Lapu in Mactan Island, Cebu, depicts the Philippine hero wearing a Bahag. Before the arrival of European colonizers, the use of the Bahag was widespread throughout the Philippine islands.

Bahag refers to the loincloth which was commonly used throughout the Philippines before the arrival of European colonizers, and which is used by some indigenous tribes of the Philippines today - most notably the Cordillerans in Northern Luzon.

It is basically a hand-loomed piece of long cloth that is wrapped around a man's middle. The design of the weave is often unique to the tribe of the person wearing the Bahag, much like the Celtic Tartans were.

Modern bahags have since found their way to the lowlands as table runners, serviettes, and other decor and fashion accoutrements.

[edit] References

• http://www.tribo.org/textiles/bahag.html
• Cultural Heritage: Philippine Tribes - Mangyan
• Scott, William Henry (1994). Barangay: Sixteenth Century Philippine Culture and Society. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press. ISBN 971-550-135-4.

[edit] See also

• a demonstration of how a Bahag is worn

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