Cleveland Museum of Art

Textile fragment (Binakol)

Date

c. early 1900s(?)

Medium

woven cotton; extended tabby weave

Culture

Philippines, Ilokos, Norte Province, Luzon, 20th century(?)

Department

Textiles

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This intricate, hand-woven textile was likely produced on a back-strap or upright loom. The binakol block pattern creates a strong optical effect, organized in vertical registers separated by broad, dark stripes with narrow, red accents. The central design is a variant of the whirlpool motif known as kusikos , in which alternating light and dark squares appear to spiral or recede. The swirling kusikos pattern was meant to confuse evil spirits and had a protective function.

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