U.S. Embassy in the
Philippines

Program Year: 2012

Grantee: National Commission for Culture and Arts

Grant Amount: US$9,849

Awarding Agency: Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

Project Summary: The Project aimed to give a general overview of the Philippine textile art tradition and the textile weaving communities in the country. Intended as a seven-series publication, the first of the series (published by the NCCA as “Journey of a Thousand Shuttles: The Philippine Weave”, which was the subject of this grant) covered a comprehensive discussion of the dynamics of textile art traditions across cultures in the Philippines, complete with maps and photo illustrations.  It traced the history of textile tradition from its early developments based on archaeological finds, the main materials and the weaving implements used, the characteristic features of Philippine textiles such as the recurring patterns and design motifs, and the corresponding design processes and techniques employed.

Citation: “Journey of a Thousand Shuttles: The Philippine Weave” won first place in the 34^th National Book Awards, Art Category.

Status: Completed in December 2013

See related articles:

• Indigenous Weaves at Their Best in “Journey of a Thousand Shuttles” (Inquirer.net)  
• Norma Absing Respicio’s ‘Journey of a Thousand Shuttles’ (Philstar.com)