Lumads of Mindanao

AguasLagmay

Austria DarayMartinez Villapando

1. The baskets (Manobo “kalobon”) and bottles(?) are

mainly constructed by weaving using dried vines,

reeds and bamboo bark (?) as primary materials. The

color scheme of these baskets are commonly brown,

but with the use of varied species of bamboo or

rattan, new colors are achieved (e.g. black, dark

brown, red) that allow them to weave new patterns.

Some of the vines are polished that give the baskets a

pearly sheen and smooth texture.

2. It is assumed that weaving is an essential part of their society since the most basic needs are accomplished by using these implements. Weaving may have been one of themost ancient Lumad art that exists until today.

1. The Suwat (Bagobo) is a traditional comb that serves a dual purpose of keeping the hair in place and adorning it. Traditionally, it is made up of a shiny metal (usually bronze) or bamboo and horsehair. Fine glass beads are also added to create different geometric patterns for aesthetic purposes. The horsehair is meant to mimic human hair, but its color adds to the beauty of the item. Geometric and stiff patterns are the most striking feature of the Suwat.

2. Women are assumed to must appear beautiful in the Lumad context. Practicality is also an important factor since the Lumads must adapt the mountainous environment. Combs such as these that serve dual purposes are arguably more convenient.

1. The Inab’l and the Pinaksoy Ho Datu are both worn by men. Red, black and white seem to be the most striking colors of the garments. Geometric patterns are also evident especially on the Pinaksoy. Colorful beads, animal hair, and feathers are added for detail that seem to suggest that these garments are used for war.

2. Red may have been used to symbolize war, as it is the color of blood and courage. The material used for the garments may also serve as an effective protection against the elements of their region. The animal hair/feathers could have been used to signify authority or prowess.

How are they relevant to the current issue?Since these art forms represent not only what the Lumads can create, but these are representations of their culture and daily lives. However, these art forms are somewhat being ‘stripped’ as they are displaced due to the increase of military presence in their domain. By displaying their crafts, accessories and clothing (as well as other materials such as instruments, performances, stories, etc.), the lumads expressed how these materials are part of their culture and identity. Moreover, they wanted to have their culture learned and respected so that the military and everyone else would acknowledge them as a society with longstanding traditions, and more importantly, as human beings who deserve the right to protect their ancestral domain. In fact, the lumads have been fighting for this in the past years, yet it became a known issue when lumad leaders were recently killed and their schools were being occupied by military men. Furthermore, the lumads emphasized their background and their long history of struggle by educating us through their art forms. With the issue they’re currently facing, the lumads struggle to protect their ancestral lands as well as their cultural identity.

How are they relevant to the social context?As viewers of art, we were wired by different ISAs to see an art form in a certain perspective. The lumads provided us an insight on how we see their art not for the aesthetics, but to learn their culture especially how they are relevant to the issue they’re facing at the moment. These art forms showcase the historical background, the culture, the lifestyle of the lumads. These art forms, together with the Lumads themselves, carry their culture everywhere that they go. Besides captivating audiences with its eccentric and alluring characteristics and its uniqueness, it is a great way to make a wake-up call: showcasing the past of your tribe, the present day reality, and what would be lost if something is not done as soon as possible.