Introduction

For some of the Philippines' most illustrious indigenous peoples, weaving is

culture, identity, and a way of life. And that is indeed true, for our country has a
vibrant weaving tradition. From the red and white fabrics of the Gaddang and
Kalinga in the north to the Mandaya Tribe's handwoven abaca textile known as
"Dagmay." "Textiles are signifiers of meaning," as they claim, reflecting the
imagination, worldviews, belief systems, and ideologies of a people.

Dagmay among the Mansaka Tribe

Although "Dagmay" originated in the Mandaya Tribe, the Mansaka tribe is also
fond of making dagmay or abaca cloth. "Dagmay" is an abaca-based handwoven
textile. It is made using a mud-dyeing process in which tribe members soak their
tannin-dyed yarns for days in iron-rich mud. It is thought that its mud-dyeing
technique is the only one in the Philippines. The Mansaka women weave the
fiber into intricate figures and patterns that represent their folklore and beliefs.
The human and crocodile motifs are often carried to their highest expression by
"dagmay." The reptile is admired, as shown by its frequent appearance in the
design. This ability and art are passed down from generation to generation, and
each design is a reflection of the weaver's personality.
The dagmay has also been used as a skirt for women. It's also used to cover the
dead in blankets. Each design, on the other hand, tells a story. The majority of
traditional designs, which can quickly date back over a century, came to them in
dreams.

References:

http://mansakatribes.blogspot.com/2009/08/mansaka-tribes-mansaka-tribes-are-found.html\

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/06/01/reviving-the-mandayas-dagmay/#:~:text=
%E2%80%9CDagmay%E2%80%9D%20is%20a%20handwoven%20textile,depicting%20their%20folklores
%20and%20beliefs.

Photos:

https://images.app.goo.gl/5FUJopSmZv4imxqM8

https://images.app.goo.gl/yDW4iNKCzYKkQw2QA