Unknown Maker, Philippine

The ikat patterns on this abacá sarong were made by resist-dyeing bundles of fibers before they were woven. While ikat dyeing is practiced throughout Southeast Asia, its use with abacá (banana plant) fibers is unique to the Philippines. Here, ikat technique was used to create patterns of human figures and animals—popular motifs among the Mandaya and other communities in the Mindanao region. Flat textiles like this one are wrapped around the hips and tied or sewn into a tube shape to be worn as a skirt.