INDIEgenius

Documentation and Publication of IndieGENIUS Knowledge Systems of Textile Weaving and Design Traditions in Southern Philippines

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The research project, “Documentation of Textile Weaving and Design Traditions in Southern Philippines,” focused on the indigenous knowledge systems of textile weaving, surface decorations, and embellishments from selected ethnolinguistic groups in Regions XI, XII, and BARMM. It highlighted collected materials, various weaving techniques, and design patterns and color motifs, including their respective uses. The project was conducted during the COVID-19 Pandemic and employed Rapid Ethnographic Assessment Procedures or REAP. Data collection methods and triangulation become necessary. Video conferencing made data gathering possible initially. As soon as travel restrictions eased, researchers optimized Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Interviews with Key Informants, and Participant Observation.


Divided into two major parts – The Inaul of BARMM and The Ritual textile and Clothes of Non-Moro Groups of the Southern Philippines — the study produced the most comprehensive documentation of the Inaul, a hand-woven fabric also called malong in its final form handcrafted by the Maguindanaon and Iranun from Cotabato City and Sultan Kudarat of BARMM.

The Inaul proved to be the most successful creative enterprise and market-driven cultural product among the traditional Southern Mindanao fabrics. Its use is multi-faceted, and the design innovation process is impressionable. Designers have either materially integrated the textile on a surface or digitally sublimated its variety of patterns for contemporary high fashion and ready-to-wear apparel. It is the opposite of the fabrics produced by other IP communities in the other two regions. The Blaan Mabal Tabih and the Bagobo Inabal cannot easily be acquired. Moreover, the Inaul textile boasted of a robust market (supply and demand), availability of and access to raw materials, and the versatility and variety of techniques available.

This research grounded the initial push to establish a design compendium for fashion designers or a research toolkit for academics and cultural workers to ensure respect and give due credit and protect collective trademarks if there are any. It also jumpstarted an electronically accessible resource platform promoting awareness to educate the public and design professionals. The study further recommended strengthening legislation efforts to ensure sustainability in promoting, preserving, and harmonizing indigenous culture and modern ingenuity.