Male Attire:
- Headgear: The male dancers wear a unique headgear made from woven beads, feathers, and wooden accessories. This headdress symbolizes virility and strength.
- Upper Garment: The males wear a "wanes," a traditional Kalinga vest made from hand-woven fabric adorned with intricate patterns. This vest is typically sleeveless, allowing the dancer's arms and upper body to move freely.
- Waist Attire: The dancers fasten a "bahag" around their waists, which is a loincloth made from woven cloth. The "bahag" is secured by a belt or sash.
- Accessories: Male dancers wear bracelets, necklaces, and leg bands adorned with beads and shells, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the costume.
Female Attire:
- Headgear: Similar to the male dancers, the female dancers also wear a headgear made from woven beads, feathers, and shells, symbolizing femininity.
- Upper Garment: Female dancers wear a "tapis," which is a colorful and intricately woven wrap-around skirt. The "tapis" is wrapped around the waist and extends to the ankles, accentuating the dancer's grace and movement.
- Blouse: The dancers wear a blouse made from intricately woven fabric. The blouse is usually long-sleeved and adorned with traditional patterns.
- Accessories: Female dancers complement their costumes with various accessories such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and anklets. These accessories often feature natural materials like beads and shells.
Equipment:
- Fan: An essential equipment used in the kumakaret courtship dance is a fan made from woven bamboo or other natural materials. The dancers use the fans to create rhythmic movements that accentuate their dance steps.
- Props: Other props used in the dance may include wooden sticks or staffs, bamboo clappers, and percussion instruments. These props add rhythmic elements to the dance and enhance the overall performance.
The costumes and equipment used in the kumakaret courtship dance are essential in depicting the cultural identity of the Kalinga people. The vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and handcrafted accessories not only add aesthetic beauty to the dance but also serve as a living testament to the rich artistic traditions and cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the Philippines.