PITIPIT
The laga weaving process usually starts with pitipit or spooling the yarn.
In the United States, we don’t have access to the traditional yarn that they use in Kalinga. Instead, we purchase commercial sewing cotton thread, and then combine two spools together to simulate the thickness of the yarn traditionally used in laga. The two-ply thread, the warp or the longitudinal threads, is then used to create the framework of the piece, the sakyot. We also combine two of the two-ply pieces to create a four-ply thread, the pakan, the weft or the lateral threads that we use to go back and forth to fill the sakyot.
Laga is traditionally only taught to women. A gift from the Divine Feminine and passed on from grand-mother to mother to daughter to grand-daughter. My Teacher Jenny Bawer Young learned from her aunt Alice Dumatog who had learned from my Teacher's maternal grandmother Mambot Cusay.
Recently, I went to visit my twin six-year old nephews. One afternoon, while they were busy playing with their legos, I found a quiet corner in their room and sat on the floor in order to pitipit.
The kambal, the twins are very curious and inquisitive. And I cherish every opportunity to learn from them. I love being their Ninang, their godmother. Needless to say, I couldn’t say no when they asked to help with the pitipit.
Eager to participate, they each took one end of the spool. Grateful that I didn’t have to worry about the spools rolling away, I pitipit-ed as fast as I could while basking in pride at this teachable moment of cultural sharing.
I shared the story how my Teacher explained that the only time that laga isn’t allowed in their village is when there is a tribal war. The Kalinga believe that laga drains the energy of the warriors. Awesome Divine Feminine Power!
I look up.
Where are the Kambal? Each with a spool.
Slowly moving backwards. Further and further.
Now moving in different rhythms. Slower and faster.
Now moving in opposite directions. To the east and to the west.
Ninang – 0, Kambal – 1.
In weaving, as in life, every moment counts.
Mabuhay!
Grace Villarin Dueñas