May 13, 2024
WEAVING THE BANGSAMORO IDENTITY: INAUL OF MAGUINDANAO
“๐๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐จ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ: ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐”
In a historic event, the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH-BARMM) proudly presents the Bangsamoro Cultural Heritage Exhibit, taking the center stage at the Open Gallery of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) from May 7 to May 31, 2024.
Featuring the indigenous textiles of the BARMM Region’s Maguindanao people, the term “Inaul” to refers to their handwoven fabric malong (tube garment) using a loom. The types of looms utilized in Maguindanao are the ancient backstrap loom and the fixed horizontal frame with four treadles.
It is woven using various materials such as tanor (a type of cotton thread), silky rayon,ย katiyado (a super shiny thread), or a mix of these three. It typically takes between 1 to 3 weeks to make one inaul depending on the patterns.
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Every weaver masters the art of Inaul weaving by carefully watching and learning from their elders.
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Plaid design has emerged as a favorite among other old patterns, with some woven exclusively for certain clans. It has resemblance to Madras prints which may be inspired by the Indian textile.ย ย
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This riyal (pusaka a malong) heirloom is a vintage piece and rare to find because it is no longer being produced nowadays. It has been passed around by six generations already. It was last owned by Hja. Sitti Sangacala, a 105-year-old woman from Sultan Kudarat. Despite the versatility of other patterns, this plaid remained popular. In this collection, the use of silk fabric is evident.
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Inaul is now being incorporated in contemporary clothing such as gowns, dresses, polo or trousers.
Everyone is invited to experience the colorful works of the Bangsamoro living cultural masters at the cultural exhibit, which will run from May 7 to May 31, 2024, at the Open Gallery of the National Commissions for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in Intramuros, Manila.