Hollywood "Black Panther" movie inspired by Ifugao designs

Okoye, Danai Gurira’s  in Black Panther movie. Photo Courtesy || Marvel

Cordillera - Record-breaking movie by Marvel the "Black Panther has showcased some of the stunning African costumes including Ifugao's indigenous artifacts and Asian themes. 

According to Anthony Francisco, a senior visual development illustrator for Marvel, the garb that Dora Milaje (the elite, all-female group of the Wakandan) worn was partially inspired by Filipino tribal artifacts from Ifugao. 

Francisco who grew up in the Philippines told Buzfeed that he saw African artifacts mixed with tribal Filipino decor in his relatives' homes in Ifugao. He was inspired specially from the Ifugao tribe who live at the base of the Cordillera Region in the north of Luzon. 

This tribal inspiration shows up in the costume of Okoye, portrayed by actress Danai Gurira. The small golden rings hanging from the tassels at the side of her uniform were amulets, drawn from Filipino superstitious belief.

The word Ifugao means "people of the Earth" in English are known for their ancient rice terraces,  a UNESCO heritage site built by the ancestors of the tribe in 100 B.C.

The Ifugao tribe continues to preserve its rich cultural elements, including weaving, beading and tradition narrative chants. 

source || Huffington Post & Inquirer USA