Abel-weaving involves the use of a wooden handloom and other accessories. The wooden handloom was the equivalent of a sewing machine in the past, and it produced most of the fabrics used in the homes, including clothes, blankets, and pillowcases.It is one of the few surviving traditional crafts in Vigan.
At least three barangays in the city still have abel-weavers, best-known of which is Barangay Camangaan as it produces much of the local abel products available in Vigan’s souvenir shops located along the Crisologo Street and the Vigan Public Market. The other two barangays with abel-weavers are Mindoro and San Pedro. You should try visiting the barangays mentioned to witness old women weaving abel the traditional way.
