TUBA, Benguet – Through The La-Diyang Haven Community Inc., Cordilleran Wire Art was featured in this year’s 4th of the Kiniing Festival, celebrated on April 22-29, 2025 at Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet. Opening for the Caricature Art workshop for “Youth Day”, “Barot Man” shared his skills and experience in his craft with the young participants.
Intricate designs made from copper wires, rings, and beaded bracelets were just one of many forms the local “Barot Man” could shape the earth-toned metal. Behind this detailed craft is a visionary and wire artist born in Boliney, Abra Province, Lito Malaggay, fondly known as the “Barot Man”.
Lito is an Igorot artist specializing in wire or “barot” craft, producing jewelry and sculptures deeply rooted within the culture and tradition of the highlands, mainly depicting natural elements, human beings, or living creatures. He adds his creative twist to each piece, the weaving patterns varying between each craft he makes.
Ensuring that the wires are bent right and adjusted tightly to form, Lito expresses his admiration and dedication to the formation of the craft and how he can show his heritage through his works.
“Kasi kung nagfoform lang ako ng image na wala o naka-out sa kultura ng Cordillera(n), hindi rin napapansin. Kaya ang ginawa ko nalang, hindi ako lumayo sa kultura.” Lito says. “Ang motive ko lang kasi diyan kaya ko ginagawa, ay kung sino ang makakabili, at least sasabihin nung bumili (ng craft niya) sa anak niya na, ‘Ito ang kultura natin.’ ” he added.
Malaggay maintains a “primitive” or natural process of further producing his crafts by avoiding using chemicals or toxic materials when wire weaving. “…Hindi ako gumagamit ng kemikal na pandikit, o kahit walang welding, pwede ka makagawa ng isang image.”
Barot Man also showed his process and inspiration in making his signature Igorot warrior sculpture, a human-like figure dressed in handwoven fabric and standing proudly on a polished, wooden plank – a statement piece perfect for display.
“Sabi ko, hindi lang sculpture na warrior ito. Kailangan, mayroon ding message siya. Yung sculpture na yun, anim na (wire) string yun, para mabuo yung image ng parang tao. Ibig sabihin (it represents the provinces of) Benguet, Mountain Province, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Ifugao,” Lito expressed.
In the finishing process of weaving the warrior sculpture, he noticed that the linked strings were closely related and complex, which could not be nudged or moved easily. He stated that it represented the unity of the Cordilleras, closely linked to the spirit of “Binnadang”, an Igorot lifelong tradition, a way of life rooted in mutual aid, conversation, connection, and cooperation within the Cordilleran community.
When asked why he uses copper as a medium for his works, Malaggay stated that, alongside the fact that the region was rich in copper and gold deposits, it had physical, spiritual benefits, and healing properties. “Ito namang sa copper, nakita ko rin na may benefits… Na pampastrengthen sa weak or masakit na kamay.” he said. Copper is said to have antibacterial properties and is generally known as a corrosion-resistant metal due to its natural and tight-nit patina layer, acting as its protection against environmental damage and bacteria.
His weaving design for jewelry, such as rings, has smaller, more detailed accents to help people distinguish his designs from plain wire ones. “Para hindi lang siya isang band na paikot sa kamay.” He suggested that the serpent-like designs on his copper rings are an excellent alternative for fashion enthusiasts who model with bold statement pieces and an alternative to finger tattoos.
Despite his wide range of designs he has made, Barot Man still has a lot to learn in his craft. “Marami pang design na kailangang diskubrehin. Yung mga design na lumabas, hindi lang iyon ang kaya ko.”
Lito Malaggay values his gift and uses it to express himself and as a tribute to his heritage as a Cordilleran. He also shares this experience through wirecraft with people who admire and commission his art.
“Lahat naman tayo ay may kanya-kanyang gift. Ang problema nga lang, hindi natin alam kung paano natin makita kung ano talaga ang gift natin. Ako rin, kahit ganito lang ang gift ko, masaya na ako. Nagpapasalamat ako sa maykapal kasi kahit wire lang, pinakamalaki na iyon sa akin.” By Agnes Dela Pena
