Maranao

is the term used by the Philippine government to refer to the southern

indigenous people who are the "people of the lake", a predominantly-Muslim
Lanao province region of the Philippine island of Mindanao.

The name "Maranao" (also spelled "Meranao" or "Meranaw") means "people of

the lake" (lanaw or ranaw, archaic danaw, means "lake" in the Maranao
language). This is in reference to Lake Lanao, the ancestral homelands of the
Maranao people.
The Maranaos are superstitious. They believe in the hidden powers of the
ANTING-ANTING amulets. These Items which they wear on their necks, arms or
legs believed to bring them good luck.

Maranao Arts and Crafts

Traditional Maranao arts and crafts is a rich collection. And the “okir” is the design
element that brings together all of its folk art into one cohesive visual
extravaganza. Okir is a set of leaf, fern or vine motif expressed in most of its art.
Whether in woodworks or metalcrafts, okir is a prominent design.
Maranao Accessories

langkit, a traditional Maranao weave made Brass

Bangles
with a backstrap loom

Typical Muslim Maranao costumes.

The attire of Maranao prince
and princess.
“Maranaw” means ‘people of the lake’,
referring to lands
surrounding Lake Lanao.Descending
from Muslim Malays,the royal families
within this tribeare a mix of Arab,
Malaysian andChinese ancestry.They
are famous for their
artwork,sophisticated weaving, wood
andmetal craft, and their
epicliterature.Folk dance clothing tells
alot about the culture and traditionsof a
country. In the Philippines,
there is a dance called “singkil”
that shows us the traditional costumes of
the Maranao people and their local folklore. It is a tiny part of the Filipino clothing
culture but nevertheless, a very significant, colorful, and bright part.
 
 The malong is a large, wrap-around tubular garment, measuring at least 165 x
165 cm. They are used by the Maranao and Maguindanao from southern
Philippines. It can be worn by women as a dress and by men over trousers as a
formal wear.