THE ABACA woven textiles are termed t’nalak among the T'boli, dagmay to the Mandaya, inabal to the Bagobo, inabu to the Manobo, mabuel to the B'laan, and habulan to the Higaonon. They are traditionally used as blankets, tube skirts, upper garments or blouses, knee length pants or trousers, and sling bags. The popularly featured designs occupying the central space are crocodiles, amphibious forms, human figures, birds, plant elements and stars. Some tube skirts of the Bagobo and the Manobo have geometric designs of Xs and diamond forms or mata-mata produced in 2-heddle (design sticks) weave technique.

Excellent abaca textiles are judged on the fine even quality of the yarn, the close interweaving of warp and weft, the preciseness of patterns, the chromatic intensity and integrity of the dye, and the consistency of finish.

The abaca textiles of Mindanao as revealed in the designs, attest to the peoples belief in the world beyond the here and now. They invoke celebrations of life, and convey the strength and resiliency of the spirit to overcome all odds-values which are at the very core of the Filipino.

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Darhata Sawabi
of barangay Parang, Jolo Island, Sulu province has preserved the art of pis syabit weaving. It is difficult art of tapestry weaving that creates the traditional squares used by the Tausug for ornamentation. Despite the conflict in Jolo, Sawabi’s dedication to her art enhanced the preservation of traditional Tausug designs.
Salinta Monon
a Tagabawa Bagobo of Bansalan, Davao del Sur, was awarded for fully demonstrating the creative and expressive aspects of the Bagobo abaca ikat weaving called inabal at a time when such art is threatened with extinction.
Lang Dulay
a T'boli of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, was awarded for weaving the abaca ikat cloth called t'nalak and producing creations which remain faithful to the T ’boli tradition as manifested in the complexity of her design, fineness of workmanship and quality of finish.
Hadja Amina Api of Ungos Matata, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi, is recognized as the master mat weaver among the Sama indigenous community of Ungos Matata. Her colorful mats with their complex geometric patterns exhibit her precise sense of design, proportion and symmetry and sensitivity to color.
Piña Luncheon set
Jusi Luncheon set
Ikat Luncheon set
Inabal by Salinta Monon
Tinalak by apprentice of Lang Dulay
Sama Mat by apprentice of Haja Amina Api
Tiboli headdress
Malong material
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