ATTIRE, TEXTILES,

AND TAPESTRIES

Arts and Crafts of Mindanao

Traditional Clothing of the B’laan
The Bilaan or B’laan is an
ethnolinguistic group that inhabit some
parts of South Cotabato, North Cotabato
and Davao del Sur. B’laan is a
combination of two words, “bila”,
which means “house”, and “an” which
means “people”
 They are known for embroidery,
brass ornaments and beadwork that are
integrated in their traditional clothing.
They also cut mother-of-pearl into small
shapes that look like sequins called
takmun to form geometric patterns.
Traditional Clothing of the Bagobo and
the T’boli
The Bagobos are a group of people that live in
Davao. The name of this ethnolinguistic group
comes from the words “bago” (new) and “obo”
(growth). This is because they are believed to
have come from the mixture of the native
population with the Hindu migrants that entered
Mindanao during the Sri Vijayan and Malapahit
empires.
Traditional Clothing of the Bagobo and
the T’boli
The men wear t’nalak shorts, an
undershirt, and a t’nalak coat. The
bagani (hero/warrior) wear blood-
red clothes and a head kerchief
called tangkulu. These articles of
clothing represent their courage.
The T’boli who live in and
around Lake Sebu, South
Cotabato, are famous for
their complicated
beadwork, wonderful
woven fabrics, and
beautiful brass ornaments.
Traditional Clothing of
the Mindanao
Maranao means “People of the
Lake”, referring to people who
occupy the lands surrounding Lake
Lanao. They are famous for their
artworks, intricate weaving, wood
carving, metal craft, and their epics
Traditional Clothing of
the Mindanao
The Maranaos are known for their
Malong. The malong is a traditional
Filipino tube skirt that is made of
hand- woven or machine-made multi-
colored cotton cloth, bearing a variety
of geometric or floral designs. It can
be used in many ways.
The malong is similar to the sarong
worn by peoples in Malaysia, Brunei
and Indonesia. But unlike the Sarong,
the malong is longer and is stitched
together at both ends to make a tube.
A traditional dance called Kapa
Malong Malong or Sambisa
Malong, demonstrates the
various ways of wearing a
malong.
Traditional Clothing of
Yakan
Basilan is the home to the Yakans. They are popular
for their skills in weaving. They weave very intricate
designs in their textiles, which they use for their clothes
and other accessories. Yakan hand-loomed fabrics are
known for their use of bold colors and geometric
patterns. The traditional Yakan art of weaving
originated from their hometown Lamitan in the island
of Basilan.
• The seputangan is
a square cloth used
by the Yakan
women as a head
cover or as belt.
The badjulapi is a
tight blouse with
long sleeves. It is
ornamented with
gold, silver, or
bronze buttons.
 CRAFTS,
ACCESSORIES, AND
BODY ORNAMENTS
SARIMANOK
The Sarimanok is a legendary bird of the
Maranao. It comes from the words “sari”
meaning cloth or garment and “manok” for
chicken. It has become a significant symbol of
Maranao art. It is depicted as a fowl with colorful
wings and feathered tail, holding a fish on its
beaks or talons. The head is profusely decorated
with scroll, leaf, and spiritual motifs. It is said to
be a symbol of good fortune.
OKIR
It refers to traditional and to unique carving
and prominent any design among the Moro
ethnolinguistic communities.
The name comes from an old Malayan
word which means carve or “ukit” in
filipino. It is referred to as Okir in
Maranao while Okkil in Maguindanao
Face Makeup and Body
Ornaments
A distinct form of visual arts of the Yakan
is the facial make-up applied on brides and
grooms. After applying a foundation of
white powder, dots and lines are painted on
the faces, creating the effect of formal and
elaborate masks which match the ornate
costumes of the couple
 T’boli
Accessories
HILOT
It is a heavy brass belt worn by
women during festivals. The
T’boli nobility wear it with
bracelets and anklets, furnished
with ball-bearings that make a
sound as the wearer walks.
HILOT
Suwatlmimotis
a wooden comb with
colored glass beads
hanging from it, worn
toward the back of the
head.
Brass Making - Kulintang
The Kulintang is a musical instrument
composed of eight different-sized
brass gongs laid upon a wooden rack.
It is made of brass with intricate
designs and embossed top where it can
be hit by wooden mallets to produce
music.
ARCHITECTUR
E
ARCHITECTUR
E
E
ARCHITECTUR
E
Brass Making - Kulintang
The Torogan is the ancestral house of
the upper-class Maranao. It is the
dwelling place of the datu along with
his wives and children. There could not
be any house larger than Torogan of
the datu within the sultanate, for this
signifies rank, prestige, and wealth.
PANOLONG
The Panolong is a wing-like
ornament of a Torogan flaring out
from the beams. This okir carving
usually features the naga or serpent,
pakorabang or stylized fern, as well
as floral and star-and-bud motifs.
BADJAOS HOUSES
The Bajau, also known as Sama-
Bajau, are the “Sea Gypsies” or
Nomads of the Sulu Sea. Their main
source of livelihood is fishing and
hunting, thus, most of them live in boat
houses or houses on stilts around the
Sulu archipelago.
The Grand Mosque of Cotabato
The largest mosque in the Philippines, the
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid or
also known as the Grand Mosque sitting
near the idle banks of Tamontaka River is
founded by the Philippine Government and
the Sultan of Brunei, for whom the masjid
was named
FORT PILAR OF
ZAMBOANGA
The historical Fort Pilar, also
called Real Fuerza de
Nuestra Senora del Pilar de
Zaragoza, was founded in
1635 and still stands strong
until today.
Monastery of the Transfiguration of
Bukidnon
The Monastery is located a top of the
hill of Malaybalay, Bukidnon,
founded by Fr. Abbot Eduardo Africa
and run by the Benedictine Monks.
The pyramid-like structure was
designed by the National Artist for
Architecture.
Santo Rosario Church of
Camiguin
 Santo Rosario Church of
Camiguin
The church is located at the town of Sagay, Camiguin Island.
The original church was built in 1882 using coral stones, but
the old infrastructures were too weak. It was retrofitted with
steel bars using modern building techniques. The builders used
local materials, particularly woven bamboo skin which
highlights the local traditions of the island.
 SCULPTURE
SCULPTURE
SCULPTURE
SCULPTURE
MAITUM JAR
An earthenware vessel for secondary burial
from Sarangani Province. These artifacts
were first discovered in 1991 and are now in
the protection of the National Museum. Some
experts argue that these jars are not only
artistically significant, they also hold key
information of historical and anthropological
importance.
 T’boli Wood carving and Brass
casting and Pottery
Wood carvers get their inspiration from the
wildlife in their local area. Artisans use the lost-
wax casting method to produce more copies of
sculpture with intricate designs such as bells,
boxes and figures.
 Maranao Wood Carving and
Metal Casting
1. Rarub-A-Klong is a metallic
armor made of brass plates,
carabao horn and interlocking
ringlets. It is a protective armor
of Moro warriors as a
counterpart to the vest used by
the Spanish soldier.
 Maranao Wood Carving and
Metal Casting
2. Kampilan is a single-edged
steel sword with a handle made
of hand carved ivory in a form
of the head of the Naga or a
serpent, handcrafted gold, and
hanged horse hair at the bottom
of the handle.
 Maranao Wood Carving and
Metal Casting
3. Batige is a large manually
carved wooden top inlaid
with mother-of-pearl. It is
used by adult males to test
their skills and strength
 Maranao Wood Carving and
Metal Casting
4.Kendi is an
heirloom teapot or
kettle used for hot
water, coffee, or tea.
 Maranao Wood Carving and
Metal Casting
5. Gador is a large intricate
decorated white metal tobacco
container. It has become an item
of interior decoration in proper
Maranao households.
FUNCTIONA
L
ART
 BALANGHAY
The balanghai, also known as balangay or
Butuan boat, is a large wooden boat used by
the pre-colonial Filipinos to traverse the seas
for trade or migration. The finely built boat,
constructed without the use of blueprints was
taught from one generation to another. This
technique is still used up to makers of Sibutu
Island.
 VINTA
This boat is traditionally made by
the Badjaos who live in the Sulu
archipelago. The sail, called vinta,
consists of several colors and
geometric shapes, representing the
colorful culture and history of the
Muslim people.
 VINTA
These boats are small and not
meant to be used for long ocean
travel. They are used for livelihood
activities such as fishing and diving
for pearls and transportation around
the archipelago.