Muntal: Traditional Indigenous Hand Embroidery in Namarabar, Peñarrubia, Abra

Abstract

Hand embroidery (muntal) is a traditional Indigenous Knowledge System and Practice (IKSP) in Namarabar, Peñarrubia, Abra, reflecting the community’s cultural heritage, creativity, and connection to its environment. This study aimed to document and describe the practice of traditional hand embroidery, including the materials, approaches, techniques, designs, and cultural meanings associated with the practice. A descriptive-ethnographic research design was employed, using purposive sampling and key informant techniques. Data were gathered through observation, interviews, and document analysis and were analyzed through descriptive interpretation to identify significant themes related to the practice. The findings revealed that hand embroidery requires patience, dedication, and hard work, with accessibility of materials contributing to efficient production. Traditional timbey thread is commonly used, while Monaco thread is preferred for bulk orders. Various approaches and techniques are employed depending on the embroidery design. The most common design is kuko dekket, while other designs include the scarecrow, sun, rice plant, mountain, flower, lizard, frog or tadpole, river, star, horse, eye or diamond, and dancing prince or princess. These designs embody symbolic, historical, and cultural meanings, with some representing geographical features of Namarabar, Peñarrubia, Abra. The study concludes that traditional hand embroidery is an important cultural practice that contributes to the preservation and transmission of Indigenous knowledge and cultural identity. It is recommended that a specialized curriculum be developed under the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) program or the Technical-Vocational and Livelihood (TVL) track to facilitate the transmission of IKSP on traditional hand embroidery. Further research is also recommended to document the approaches and techniques associated with different patterns and designs and to communicate the findings to relevant agencies for further evaluation and validation.