Compendium

In Arts 7

INTRODUCTION

- This compendium is especially designed for Arts Grade 7 to facilitate easier

teaching-learning processes. It is a brief but concise information about the Arts and
Crafts of Mindanao.
- The objective of this compendium is to demonstrate understanding of salient
features of arts and crafts of Mindanao and the rich and artistic cultural traditions.
- Furthermore, in this compendium, the learners will be able to identify the different
elements and processes of arts used in their arts and crafts .
- The basis of this compendium is the Most Essential Learning Competencies (
MELC ) in Arts Grade 7 Third Quarter and as follows:

1. analyzes elements and principles of art in the production one’s arts and
crafts inspired by the arts of Mindanao

2. identifies characteristics of arts and crafts in specific areas in Mindanao (e.g.,

maritime vessel [balanghay] from Butuan, vinta from Zamboanga; Maranao’s
malong, brasswares, okir, panolong, torogan, and sarimanok; Yakan’s fabric and face makeup
and body ornamentation; T’boli’s tinalak and accessories; Tawi-tawi’s Pangalaydance, etc.

3. reflects on and derive the mood, idea, or message emanating from selected
artifacts and art objects

4. appreciates the artifacts and art objects in terms of its utilization and their
distinct use of art elements and principles

5. incorporates the design, form, and spirit of artifacts and objects from Mindanao to
one’s creation

6. traces the external (foreign) and internal (indigenous) influences that are
reflected in the design of an artwork and in the making of a craft or artifact

7. creates crafts that can be locally assembled with local materials, guided by local
traditional techniques (e.g., habi, lilip, etc).

8. derives elements from traditions/history of a community for one’s artwork

9. shows the relationship of the development of crafts in specific areas of the

country, according to functionality, traditional specialized expertise, and availability of
resources (e.g., pottery, weaving, jewelry, and basketry)
 10. shows the relationship of Mindanao’s arts and crafts to Philippine
culture, traditions, and history, particularly with Islamic influences and indigenous (Lumad)
practices

11. participates in exhibit using completed Mindanao-inspired arts and crafts in an

organized manner

Topics covered includes the following:

1. Attire, Textile, and Tapestry

- The Traditional Clothing of the B’laan

- The Traditional Clothing of the Bagobo T’boli

- The Traditional Clothing of the Maranao Yakan

2. Crafts, Accessories, and Body Ornaments

- Sarimanok

- Okir

- Face Make uo and Body Ornaments

- T’boli Accessories

- Brass Making-Kulintang

3. Architecture

- Torogan

- Panolong

- The Grand Mosque of Cotabato

- Fort Pilar of Zamboanga

- Monastery of the Transfiguration of Bukidnon

- Santo Rosario Church of Camiguin

4. Sculpture

- Maitum Jar

- T’boli Wood Carving and Metal Casting

5. Functional Art

- Balanghay

- Vinta
QUARTER 3

ARTS AND CRAFTS OF MINDANAO

Basic Concepts of the Arts and Crafts

1. Mindanao is also called “The Land of the Promise” and the second largest
island in the Philippines.

2. Mindanao has the largest concentration of ethno-linguistic groups and

culturally diverse islands.

3. The major art forms of the Maranao are carving, weaving, and metal work.

I. Attire, Textiles, and Tapestry

a. The Traditonal Clothing of the B’laan

The B’laan is an ethnolingusitis group that inhibit some parts of South

Cotabato. B’laan is a combination of two words, “bila” which means house and “an”, which
means people.

They are known for embroidery, brass ornaments and beadworks that are
integrated in their traditional clothing. The B’laans weave highly-polished abaca textiles using
the Ikat process. Ikat is the process of dying the fabrics before weaving.

b. The Traditional Clothing of the Bagobo

 The Bagobos are the group of people that live in Davao. The Bagobo Word
comes from the words “bago” (new) and “obo”(growth). It is because they are believe to have
come from the mixture of the native population with the Hindu migrants that entered
Mindanao during the Sri Vijayan and Majapahit empires. The Bagobos attire are elaborated.
Their cloths are specially woven from abaca fibers called t’nalak.

c. The Traditional Clothing of the T’boli

- The T’boli’s are famous for their complicated beadworks, wonderful woven fabrics
and beautiful brass ornaments.

- The T’bolis regard the t’nalak as sacred. The t’nalak production is a painstaking
process that requires patience, a lot of creativity, good memory, and a range of skills learned
from a young age by the weavers.

d. The Traditional Clothing of the Maranao

- Maranao means “ People of the Lake” referring to people occupying the lands
surrounding the lake Lanao. They are famous for their artworks, intricate weaving, wood
carving, metal craft, and their epics. Maranao are known for their malong, a tube skirt which
can be used as skirt, dress, blouse or gown. It can also used as a hammock, basket, sleeping
bag, bathrobe, baby carriage and many more.
e. The Traditional Clothing of the Yaka

- Basila is the home of the Yakans. They are popular for their skill in weaving. Yakans
hand loomed fabrics are known for their use of bold colors and geometric patterns. The
seputangan is a square cloth used by the Yakan women as a head cover or as belt. The badju
lapi is a tight blouse with long sleeves and ornamented with gold, silver or bronze buttons.
The sawal is the traditional tight fitting trousers made of Yakan fabric characterized by its
vertical stripes. The pinalantupan is a layered skirt over a trouser.

2. CRAFTS, ACCESSORIES, AND BODY ORNAMENTS

a. Sarimanok

A legendary bird of the Marano that has become a significant symbol of

Maranao art. It comes from the words “sari” meaning cloth and “manok” for chicken.

b. Okir

It refers to traditional and unique carving among the Moro-ethnolinguistic

communities. Ukit which means carve, and in Maranao it is refered to as okir, in Maguindano it
is okkil.

c. Face Makeup and Body Ornaments

A distinct form of visual arts of the Yakan is the facial makeup applied on brides
and grooms. After applying the foundation of white powder, dots and lines are painted on
various patterns of the faces, creating the effect of formal and elaborate masks which match
the ornate costumes of the couple.

Wedding attire:

Male:

- Pis – hand woven head cloth; worn as symbolic protection from spears of knives

- Kandit-15-m belt os sash made of gilim(red cloth)

- Shirts that are believed to be bullet proof with Arabic scripts designs prepared by
imams and hadjis.

Female:

- Short skirt over trousers

Both:

- Saruk- hat worn to add elegance

Ornaments:

- Crocodile tooth necklace for fortune

- Triangular amulets with symbols wrapped in black cloth

- Snake bone belts to guard from pain

- Manik tegiyas- necklace or bracelet of beads from dried fruits to

protect from illness caused by evil spirits

- Manik sembulan- necklace or bracelet made from bamboo as protection against illness
inflicted by evil spirits
 Functional articles:

- Pegupaan – bamboo container for chewing betel nut

- Lutuan – a small bronze box with engravings carried at the waist

d. T’boli Accessories

- Hilot is a heavy brass belt worn by women during festivals

- Suwat Imimot is a wooden comb with colores glass beads hanging from it. It is worn toward
the back of the head.

e. Brass Making-Kulintang

Kulintang is a musical instrument composed od eight different-sized

brass gongs laid upon a wooden rack. It is the main melody instrument in the kulintang
ensemble.
3. Architecture

a. Torogan - the ancestral house of the upper-class Maranao. It is the

dwelling place of the datu along with his wives and children

b. Panolong - a wing-like ornament of a torogan flaring out from the beams

c. The Grand Mosque of Cotabato – the largest mosque in the Philippines.

d. Fort Pilar of Zamboanga – it is also called Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora
del Pilar de Zamboanga.

e. Monastery of the Transfiguration of Bukidnon - the monastery is located atop of the hill of
Malaybalay, Bukidnon. The pyramid-like structure was designed by the National Artist for
Architecture, Leandro Locsin.

f. Santo Rosario Church of Camiguin – the church is located at the town of Sagay, Camiguin
Island. The unique things you can find in the church are the driftwood chandeliers and altar.
4. SCULPTURE

a. Maitum Jar – a secondary burial jar from Saranggani Province.

b. T’boli Wood Carving and Brass Casting and Pottery

Wood carvers get their inspiration on the wildlife in their local area. Artisans use
the low-wax casting method to produce more copies of sculpture with intricate designs such
as bells, boxes, and figures.
c. Maranao Wood Carving and Metal Casting

1. Rarub-A-Klong -s a metallic armor made of brass plates, carabao horn, and

interlocking ringlets. It is a protective armor of Moro warriors as a counterpart of the vest used
by the Spanish soldiers.

2. Kampilan – a single-edged steel sword with a handle made of hand carved ivory in a form of
the head of the naga or a serpent, handcrafted gold, and hanged horse hair at the bottom
handle.

3. Batige – large manually carved wooden top inlaid with mother-of-pearl. It is used by adults
males to test their skill and strength.

4. Kendi - a heirloom teapot or kettle used for hot water, coffee, or tea.
5. Gador – a large intricate decorated white metal tobacco container

5. FUNCTIONAL ART

a. Balanghai – also known as Balanghay or Butuan Boat. It is a large wooden boat used
by the pre-colonial Filipinos to traverse the seas for trade and migration.

b. Vinta – boat tradirionally made by the Badjaos who live in the Sulu archipelago. The sail of
the vinta is consist of several colors and geometric shapes representing the colorful culture
and history of Muslim people.