First settlers belonged to the Tingguian tribe. Now, Abra's inhabitants are mostly Ilocano and Tingguians. Abra has many rice farmers. The uplands produce native coffee and famous woods like narra, mahogany and molave. There are several traditional crafts worth mentioning: Abel loom weaving, solid wood furniture making, the bamboo industry, rattan craft making and traditional hat making. 

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The Abel Loom Weavers of La Paz

In the nearby municipality of La Paz there are associations and workshops of weavers. Here an ancient trade is continued by expert weavers and also studied by young locals. The tourist is welcome to observe the meticulous work of putting together a colorful traditional pattern and the weaving itself. In the adjacent sales shop, she/he can purchase woven fabric by yard or finished  products for use as table mats, table runners, blankets etc.

Hardwood Furniture

 Furniture shops all over Abra are making solid wood furniture using native woods. As Narra wood is becoming more and more rare, most furniture is made of natively grown Mahogany, Gmelina, and other woods.

Bamboo Industry

Bamboo is being worked into everyday objects and furniture in the Abra bamboo industry. The making of hats from materials found in nature has been practiced for centuries. Particularly famous is the Tabungaw hat made from a large native gourd.

Hat Making

There is a centuries old tradition of making hats and helmets from natural materials, lie carving hats out of wood. Teofilo Garcia became well known for making the Tabungaw Hat, for which he uses a giant native gourd. He was then awarded the National Living Treasure Award.