Inabel weavers prepare special death shroud for FMDEFT, AGELESS HANDS – Ninety-three-year-old Magdalena Gamayo shows why she continues to be acknowledged as the country’s living treasure on traditional weaving as she prepares Inabel clothing in her workshop in Pinili, Ilocos Norte. (Freddie G. Lazaro)Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – Ninety-three-year-old master weaver of inabel cloth Magdalena Gamayo, her hands shaking, prepares with pride a special death shroud as “pabaon” (keepsake) for the burial of the remains of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Despite her physical frailties, Gamayo, who hails from the town of Pinili, is giving it her best, together with the other weavers in their town, in making the inabel death shroud for the late President. The color of the inabel follows the traditional Ilocano death and burial practices which only allow hues such as black and white. But this time, I have mixed emotions but I am elated that in my lifetime I will finally see President Marcos buried at a fitting place.”

Source: Manila Bulletin August 16, 2016 16:07 UTC