The Ifugao Museum

Sometime early last month, after enjoying the vast spaces and gardens around the Shrine, we left Yongi in the truck with the aircon on, and walked to the National Museum, hundreds of yards across the monument.

We did not know what to expect, but we were excited about what surprises we might see inside.

We were asked to sign the visitor's logbook before entering and informed that we are not allowed to take videos, only photographs, but without using the flash. Okay, that's fair. We agreed and went in. These were the first things my eyes caught on the right side of the room.

We immediately noticed the ethnic garments, carefully arranged with the corresponding printed descriptions (with QR codes) beside them.

Old and new garments were carefully laid on tables or on boards. These, for instance, were used to clothe the dead in the olden days. According to one of the curators, the designs, prints, or styles vary depending on a person's age or their status in society.

It was interesting to find different vibrant prints in pinks, reds, and such. A few we have seen before, but most we had not.

Colorful girdles or belts.

We were fascinated to see traditional back looms, thread winders, spinning wheels, and such.

Anyway, apart from garments and accessories, there were jewelry sets (family heirlooms) too. From bracelets and necklaces to earrings, bangles, neck adornments, and such. Usually made of glass, stone, agate, and even quartz. Accordingly, these are part of the complete attire and are usually seen during important occasions.

And bags or pouches too (forgive me for the blurry shots).

I was admiring this set when the hubby went ahead to the second floor. And as I was about to follow him, the lady curator came and started a conversation, introducing some of the stuff and their history.

The hubby must have been waiting upstairs, but I wasn't coming up, so he came down after some 10 or twenty minutes. Because we were already starving, we thanked the people and left, taking a few pictures outside, one being the lead image above, and this one too.

Overall, we enjoyed our time there and we are grateful to have learned a bit more about the cultural heritage of various places in the Cordilleras. If given the chance to be in Ifugao again someday, we would give it a second visit.