Geo Metric Patterns in the Back Strap Weaving of Bontoc, Mountain Province

Backstrap weaving is one of the oldest forms of weaving. It involves set of sticks, threads or strings and the hand technique of the weaver. In Bontoc, back strap weaving locally known as sinnawed is still practiced up to this date. However, the stories and the significance behind the patterns and designs in the woven products were not yet known to the new generations. To bridge the gap, this study is conducted to record and document the patterns and designs in the back strap weaving of Bontoc especially those related to mathematical concepts. Moreover, this qualitative study focused on the exploration of the mathematical ideas, concepts and skills involved in the backstrap weaving of Bontoc, Mountain Province. This determined the types of designs and patterns of the back strap that were created. Aside from that, this determined the significance of these patterns and designs found in the back strap weaving in the Bontoc culture and lastly, this study identified the mathematical ideas, concepts and skills are involved in the weaving of the back straps. Results showed that the common designs in the backstrap weaving of Bontoc particularly the original lufid commonly known as pitay are matmata, tiktiko, pagpag, tagtagkho, tufay, kalasag and uweg. These designs produced two Geometric patterns namely P1 and PMM. In addition, these patterns and designs denote the life and practices of the Bontoc people, their environment and their culture as a whole. Furthermore, counting principle, congruency, shapes and figures including symmetry of groups were found in the back strap weaving of Bontoc.