Importance of Inabel to Ilocos
The Inabel of the Ilocanos transcended from being a durable and practical choice of everyday application such as clothing and food storage, to becoming a honored heritage of Filipino Indigenous culture. With designs and themes based on their abundant environment and their daily routines, it exemplifies the living culture and ancestry of these people despite the modern and industrialized world and textile trade. As such, the Inabel is invaluable to the Ilocanos as a unique piece of their identity and creative soul that continues to thrive.
The Ilocanos' personality and soul are also carried by the Inabel. It highlights the weavers' ties to the environment and their ancestors by reflecting both our natural surroundings and their everyday lives. The motifs and patterns often mirror the organic environment and the weavers' everyday lives, showcasing their connection to the land and their heritage. Inabel textile has historically been utilized for utilitarian uses like clothing and food storage, but as industrialization progressed, it persisted as a cultural legacy for the native Ilocanos.