School of Living Traditions
To ensure that the decades of cultural knowledfe and skills of our Bangsamoro forefathers will continue to live through the cultural works of art of the younger generation. BCPCH collaborates with LGUs in gathering more insights regarding the current situation and possible solutions to concerns of cultural workers and communitiees both in Mainland and Island provinces of BARMM. The Program engages the youth as future cultural advocates by provising a venue where their skills are being harnessed by cultural masters in a transfer of knowledge through series of skills training workshop such as Indigenous weaving, Cultural Performances, Handicrafts, Native Delicacies and Brassmaking.
Mainland
Water Hyacinth Handicraft Making starts with harvesting the stalk of the right variety of water hyacinth in Liguasan Marsh that is called “Pusaw” in Maguindanaon language. Other varieties like “Butiti” and “Sawa” are not recommended for handicraft making. After the harvest, the stalk will be sun dried until its color turns to light brown. The dried stalk will be cut vertically making small strands of the stalk. The small strands will then be braided that will eventually form a long strand. This braided material can dye to put any color of your choice. This will be the final material to be used to weave products such as bags, pouch, slippers and among others.
Inaul is a time-honored weaving tradition of the Bangsamoro people which means woven in Maguindanaon language and used traditionally as “Malong”. Also, it symbolizes “Bara-Bangsa” which describes dignity and royalty. The tones and colors used reflect the Maguindanaon culture, such as green which signifies peace, red for bravery, white for sadness, and black for dignity.
The intricate art of the weaving process starts with arranging the threads to determine the colors, the quantity, and the length of the Malong. The threads are put on the wheel and inserted into the loom’s comb for the design.
Monom is a traditional weaving technique in which the intended products are carefully hand-sewed. Bamboo, rattan, and nito strips are the primary materials used in Monom making.
BASULTA
“Tennun” is an essential representation of Yakan culture. Its classifications, hues, patterns, and significance will continue to support the Yakan’s identity as a people who continuously weave culturally from the past to the present and preserve them as cultural treasures for the next generation.
The Yakan people place a great deal of value on weaving. Yakan dress is made from woven cloth, which is what the word “Tennun” generally means. From warping and designing to weaving, a variety of vibrantly colored threads and traditional tools produce stunning textiles with geometric patterns, you can distinguish the intricate process of hand-made weaving.
Typically, Yakan delicacies are made and served during special occasions and celebrations. One of these native delicacies is the famous “Jaa” or “lokot-lokot”.
Rice flour is repeatedly pounded into a fine powder and then mixed with water and other ingredients. The mixture is poured into frying oil through a strainer called “Uluyan,” which produces the fried mats of rice noodles. It is then rolled up or folded into the desired shape, such as flowers, diamonds, triangles, and many others, using two molding woods known as the “Gagawi”.
Tutup is a traditional food cover with a colorful, dome-shaped design that is embellished with various colors and patterns. This vibrant traditional cover with geometric designs keeps the food warm and protected. The villagers of Guinanta, Albarka in the province of Basilan make Tutup with patience and dedication, from gathering raw materials to its making process.
Engraved to perfection in its lavish design, Traditional Embroidery is the art of needlework used to decorate the fabric with mesmerizing patterns using a variety of vivid threads. Personified with indulgence, Simunul traditional embroidery accentuates patterns and figures that are portrayed through inspiration and the complex artwork produced by deft hands and fervent hearts.
Tepo-weaving is very popular in creating handicrafts like traditional mats from symmetrical or geometric patterns ascended with traditional designs to form the anticipated output. These traditional mats are used in Sama households for sleeping, furniture covers, decorations and even displays. Because of this skill, it became an additional income to indigenous women of Tandubas municipality.
Aside from its spectacular and historic sights, Tawi-Tawi’s Native Delicacies have been part of Bangsa Sama culture and customs because they reflect the love and passion of women belonging to Indigenous Communities in preparation for these traditional delicacies.