INDIGENOUS
CREATIVE CRAFTS
Eastern, Wstern , and central Visayas
INTRODUCTION
• According to historical sources, the word Visayas derives from the term Sri Vijaya,
which was an ancient empire that settled in Panay Island during the 9th century AD.
Historical accounts mention that the Visayans, residents of the Visayas Region, who
we know today, descended from Malay migrants who had to move to Panay due to
the declining Sri Vijaya Empire. The name is said to be in remembrance of one of
the most powerful influences in Southeast Asia in early times (Valdeavilla, 2018).
• The Visayas Region is divided into three non-administrative sub-regions:
Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Wesfern Visayas.
WEAVING
TIKOG GRASS WEAVING (SAMAR AND LEYTE)
Base in Samar province is one of the oldest towns in the country dating back to
Hispanic times and tikog (rush) weaving has always been its leading industry
until Typhoon Yolanda practically wiped it out. Tikog is a grassy plant which
grows in aquatic or grassy areas. Many of the weavers were from generations
of weaver families in Basey and knew only how to weave. Tikog Weaving is also
widespread in the province of Leyte (Meniano, 2018).
Artistic and Social Purposes Samar is one of the poorest provinces in the country with a poverty incidence
of 49.5 in 2016 (Meniano, 2018). It is the current record holder of the world's longest mat ("banig"),
which is presented in the Guinness Book of World Records. The provincial government is largely counting
on tourism to improve the local economy. Through the launch of Spark Samar tourism campaign, the
provincial government introduced "Lara" as a new brand for woven mats. The activity is part of the local
government's summer tourism promotion program."Lara" is the local term for weaving.The product is
also making stronger presence in the social media with the help and support of Manila-based budding
designers and independent groups (PTV News, 2018).
WEAVING
Abaca Fiber Products (Leyte)
Abaca fiber is used in the production of many items. Hence, it
is considered one of the country’s major agricultural exports as it
has great demand all over the world. In Region 8, Samar, a minor
abaca producer, has overtaken Southern Leyte, the top abaca
producing provinces in Region 8 which has suffered major losses
because of abaca bunchy top infestation, in terms of abaca
production (Omila, 2016).
In support to the government's initiatives for the abaca industry, the Agricultural
Training Institute Regional Training Center 8(ATI-RTC 8) conducted a training on
Abaca Nursery and Plantation Establishment and Management, and Disease
identification and Management on October 26-28, 2016 at ATI-RTC 8, VSU, Visca,
Baybay City, Leyte. Twenty-one (21) AEWs from the different municipalities of Eastern
Samar. Tne3-day training was collaboration between National Abaca Research Center
(NARC), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) and ATI-RTC8
(Omila, 2016).
WEAVING
Hablon Weaving (Cebu)
The art of weaving is a known industry in the southern Cebu
town of Argao. Although initially dubbed as a “sunset industry,”
weaving was given another chance when local government
agencies, private individuals, local organizations, and the
academe joined forces to revive the native art (Libby, 2019)
Hinablon, Libby (2019) added, is a product in a traditional process of
weaving known in the town of Argao. The weaving process itself is called
hablon. Produced with local fibres such aspiña, cotton, and abaca, the
“hablon” comes from the Visayan word “habol,” which means blanket.
Artistic and Social
Purposes Hablon products have grown. It is now made into dresses,gowns,
tablerunners, wallets, and pouches Research and development continues to be done
to upgrade the product and transform it into one of Cebu's prized possessions. With
the story of the hablon in its midst, Argao is truly a place for stories of progress.
The sea and the mountains converge in Argao, which makes it an interesting town to
set up a residential address with several rooms for growth and development (Libby,
2019).
WEAVING
• Tubigon Loom Weaving (Bohol)
Loom weaving is considered a major source of income for the local residents
of Tubigon. For many weavers, wives of farmers and fisherfolks in Tubigon,
loom weaving has been their major source of bread and butter. Loom weaving
utilizes raffia fibers extracted from young, unopened buri leaves. The fiber
knitted for your table placemat, or bag, comes from buri palm tree, which
grows abundantly in Bohol (Bohol Tourism, 2019)
Artistic and Social PurposesInto wooden looms, these raffia fiber join a countless other fibers to form
tapestries that narrate a history of a craft that feeds a community and its future generations. Tubigon
was derived from the word "Tubigan" which meant a place abounding with water.Back in the old days,
the community was always submerged in water whenever the nearby rivers overflow during rainy
seasons.Later, the early settlers changed the name to "Tubigon" to indicate the presence of the many
springs and streams of the town. At present, these water sources have been pooled and converted into a
giant irrigation dam to help regulate the flow of water supply in rice fields (Bohol Tourism, 2019).
Antiquera Weaving (Bohol)
Basket weaving has been a long tradition in Antiquera since
the turn of the 20th century. Several artisans and their families
producing these handicrafts thru the generations. From the humble
bukag (basket), to several forms and different sizes using different
kind of materials from bamboo, rattan, nito and other readily available
Materials (Langyaw Travel, 2020).
Sinamay Weaving (Negros Oriental)
Sinamay is one of the most popular hat-making foundations in
the world. It is woven from the processed stalks of the abaca tree, a banana palm
native to the Philippines. Abaca fibre is three times stronger than cotton or silk, and
a fabric made from 100% abaca can last for over 100 years. As a result, sinamay
holds a very firm shape. Because it is a natural fibre, it holds colour beautifully.
Sinamay is of less gossamer tissue, but almost transparent and far more durable
than the fabrics made from pineapple fiber. Sinamay materials are used in making
gift boxes; packaging materials, decorative accessories, wall covering; draperies,
fashion accessories, footwear; tabletop accessories and more (Torb and
Reiner, (n.d.).
Pinya Weaving (Aklan)
“Piña” fiber is extracted from the leaves of a pineapple plant. Its scientific
name is ananas comosus. The fibers are ivory-white in color and naturally
glossy. The cloth is translucent, soft and fine with high luster. Piña fiber is
often blended with cotton, abaca, silk, or polyester to create wonderful light,
breezy fabrics. Since piña fabric is hand loomed by only a few weavers, it is
very precious and scarce, which also makes it expensive (Philippine Folklife
Museum, 2019).
