ART FORMS FROM MINDANAO

Thrina Galve

Jane Gumabon

John Benedict Baylon

ART FORM FROM
SOUTH COTABATO
T’nalak
T’nalak is a sacred cloth woven by
the T'boli people in communities
around Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Mindanao island. Traditionally made
by women of royal blood, thousands
of patterns that reference folklore and
stories are known to the T’boli
women by memory. Fu Dalu, a
spiritual guardian, guides t’nalak
weaving, a process that is enriched
with taboo and ritual.
Its Purpose

T’nalak is used for ritual purposes, as

an offering to the spirits and during
festival celebrations. It is also
exchanged between families for food
and supplies in the T'bolis’ barter
economy, which endures to this day.
Many communities rely on the
commercial sale of t’nalak to earn a
living.
Its Significance
T'nalak has great significance for the T'Boli.  According to
T'boli tradition, the T'nalak designs have been passed
down through generations and come to the best weavers in
dreams, brought to them by their ancestors.  T'nalak
weavings are one of the traditional properties exchanged
at the time of marriage and is used as a covering during
birth to ensure a safe delivery. The T'Boli believe that the
T'nalak is infused with spiritual meaning, and as such
there are a variety of traditions surrounding its production
and use.  One should not step over a weaving in progress,
and doing so is to risk illness.  Cutting the cloth will cause
sickness or death, unless done according to traditions. If a
weaving is sold, a brass ring is often attached to appease
the spirits.  And while weaving a T'nalak, T'boli women
practice abstinence in order to maintain the purity of their
art.
ART FORM FROM
LANAO DEL NORTE
 Sarimanok

The Maranao tribe is from the Mindanao

island in the southern part of the Philippines and
even before the arrival of the Spaniards in the
country, they had their own culture, language, beliefs
and arts. And the Sarimanok, with its beautiful and
colourful feathers, is frequently depicted in their
artistic, decorative and architectural designs.
The word Sarimanok comes from “Sari”
which means a garment of different colours, and
“manok”, which means rooster. The figure of
sarimanok is normally characterised by its colourful
feathers, scroll, leaf and other motifs on its head, and
the fish that it carries on its talons or in its beak.
 Its Purpose

Sarimanok is highly revered by the Maranaos

and has become an integral part of their culture
and widely present in their 
artistic and architectural designs, rituals, dance
 and festivals.

Sarimanok is a cultural symbol for the

Maranaos and is a common traditional motif
that is used especially in royal occasions such as
enthronement, kalilang and weddings.
 Its Significance

The Maranaos believe that the Sarimanok will

bring them good fortune and if the spirits are
pleased, they will have a bountiful harvest.  And
what started as a cultural heritage from the south
of the Philippines has already been adopted by
the whole country and nowadays, it has become
one of its enduring symbols.
ART FORM FROM
ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
 Vinta

The vinta is a traditional outrigger boat from the

Philippine island of Mindanao. The boats are made
by Sama-Bajau, Tausug and Yakan peoples living
in the Sulu Archipelago,Zamboanga peninsula, and
southern Mindanao. Vinta are characterized by
their colorful rectangular lug sails (bukay) and
bifurcated prows and sterns, which resemble the
gaping mouth of a crocodile. Vinta are used as
fishing vessels, cargo ships, and houseboats.
Smaller undecorated versions of the vinta used for
fishing are known as tondaan.
Its Purpose

 Vinta are used as fishing vessels, cargo ships, and

houseboats. Smaller undecorated versions of the
vinta used for fishing are
known as tondaan. The name "vinta" is
predominantly used in Zamboanga, Basilan, and
other parts of mainland Mindanao. 

The vinta boats were used for the transport of

people and goods between local islands, which was
crucial to the livelihoods of the Moro and Sama-
Bajau people.
Its Significance

An art design with foliate, intertwined flowing

lines, and rhythmic geometric patterns. It is seen
on anything of value, such as household articles,
musical instruments, weapons, and boats. In earlier
times, a Vinta with Ukkil artwork on it signifies the
owner's social status.

For Filipinos, the vinta is a symbol of resilience

and strength. A group called the Katatagan
(meaning “stability” in Tagalog) is helping with
Filipinos cope with surviving typhoon disasters.