Lumban embroidery: a declining tradition, a thriving industry

Abstract

Philippine hand embroidery is a part of Filipino culture and tradition; it is a craft that gave women compliments because of the artistry and skills put together to form an intricate embroidered design on a fabric. For the residents of Lumban, embroidery is a tradition that they passed on from one generation to another; now it is their source of income to support their families. The status of Lumban embroidery tradition is said to be dying despite the fact that embroidered garments are gaining international attention. This study was conducted in order to know how the current social and economic situation of the embroiderers and shop owners of Lumban determine the current status of the Lumban embroidery tradition. It also sought to describe the embroidery tradition of the town, to see the problems of the embroiderers and shop owners at present and to know if there are changes in the designs in different mode of embroidery. Data was gathered by guided interview with the selected embroiderers and shop owners in Lumban. Key informants such as Lumban local government officer and residents involved in embroidery were interviewed. Observations were also done in the work area of the embroiderers to have a better understanding of terms, processes and designs. Additional data were gathered from books, articles, unpublished materials and documents from the Lumban municipal. This research provides a better understanding on why the people of Lumban have a notion that their embroidery tradition is dying. The relation of embroiderers and shop owners to their clients is an aspect why the innovations of designs are limited. The financial problems of the embroiderers, as well as the lack of interest of the youth are factors why there is a decrease in the practitioners of the art form.