HOW CAN WE APPRECIATE TRADITIONAL MINDANAO ART MORE?

Appreciation starts with having knowledge of what it is you wish to appreciate. Sure, you may look at a
work of art and think it is beautiful, but there is deeper understanding that can be established if you
know the history of the art and how it was made. Simply, a more emphatic connection is made- you are
not just a spectator but a participant in keeping said art alive.
For example, let us discuss further one of the most recognized traditional arts from Mindanao: the
malong. These textiles are found in Maranao and the Maguindanao. One can just see it as an old
garment at first glance, but to know the history weaved into it is a means to appreciate it more.
The designs and fabric used in creating a malong takes root from important community ceremonies or
statuses. For instance, silk is used for malong that is worn for ceremonial occasions; meanwhile , malong
worn for everyday wear is made of cotton. The former will more likely feature complicated designs and
striking colors such as yellow or red, while the latter is mostly wrought in simple plaids and stripes.
There are three types of malong: malong a andon, malong a landap, and malong a ampik.
Malong a andon is considered the most expensive type of the three. It showcase the “patola’ motif-
circular patterns that take inspiration from Indian weave. It is proof that there is interchange of
influence and inspiration from foreign countries as well when it comes to developing our local art.
The malong a landap features the langkit, which are strips with hand-sewn geometric designs on them.
It also carries a sewn inscription of kirim, which is the Maranao language.
The last type, malong a ampik, features square patterns with crossing lines. Common colors used for this
type are red and black.
Aside from that, there are also common motifs found in the malong. One is the pako rabong, which
resembles a growing fern. There is also the aforementioned patola, which can still vary depending on
the design intended.
ART OF OTHER INDIGENOUS GROUPS IN MINDANAO
T’boli – the T’boli of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato weave abaca cloth called T’nalak, an ikat weave of
abaca fibers on a backstrap loom. The T’boli also make brass figurine and jewelry. They make splendid
body ornaments of brass chains and belts, strings and nets of multi-colored beads, and fine chains of
horsehair necklaces, earings, bracelets, and anklets. These body ornaments are worn to please the gods.
The signify the status of the weaver and enhance her charms.
B’laan – They live in Lake Buluan, North Cotabato. They make various kinds of home-crafted objects like
baskets and pillows stuffed with banana leaves or cogon flowers. They make intricately carved betel nut
boxes made of brass.
Subanon – They compose the largest group of indigenous people in the Zamboanga peninsula. They
weave baskets made of nito, bamboo, and wood.
Badjao and Sama – The Sama are sedentary coastal dwellers while the Badjao are sea nomads who live
in Tawi-Tawi, Siasi, Jolo, and Zamboanga. The Badjao and Sama depend almost entirely on the sea for
subsistence. Sama art consists of the ukil and gulis. Geometric designs on vinta sails and grave markers
are examples of this art.