ARTS AND

CRAFTS OF
MINDANAO
ARTS AND
CRAFTS IN
SPECIFIC
AREAS IN
MINDANAO
MINDANA
Mindanao is the second largest island of The
O
Philippines at the southern end of the archipelago. It’s
culture consists of mostly Muslim or “Moro” people. It
is also composed of other ethnic groups such as the
Maranao, Tausug, Banguingi, and indigenous tribes
known as Lumad.
 Caraga Region
Regions
Northern Mindanao

Zamboanga Peninsula

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Davao Region
ARMM Region
Balangay
The Balangay (formerly synonymous with Butuan boat) is a
plank boat adjoined by a carved-out plank edged through pins and
dowels. It was first mentioned in the 16th Century in the Chronicles of
Pigafetta, and is known as the oldest watercraft found in the
Philippines. The balangay was the first wooden watercraft excavated
in Southeast Asia and is evidence of early Filipino craftsmanship
and their seamanship skills during pre-colonial times.
 Vinta

The vinta (locally known as lepa-lepa or sakayan) is a traditional boat

from the Philippine island of Mindanao. The boats are made by Sama-
Bajau and Moros living in the Sulu Archipelago, Zamboanga peninsula, and
southern Mindanao. It has a sail with assorted vertical colors that represents the
colorful culture and history of the Muslim community. These boats are used for
inter-island transport of people and goods.
 Malong
The malong is a traditional "tube skirt" made
of handwoven or machine-made multi-colored cotton
cloth, bearing a variety of geometric or okir designs.
The malong is directly akin to the sarong worn by
peoples in other parts of Maritime Southeast
Asia (Malaysia, Brunei, East Timor and Indonesia),
and is the etymological cognate of the Polynesian
'malo' (loin cloth).
 Brasswares
Kulintang, gongs and even
the elaborate designs of a Muslim
jar are brasswares popularly made
in Mindanao, particularly the oldest
city in the region, Cotabato City.
 Okir
Okir or okkil is the term for geometric
and flowing designs (often based on an
elaborate leaf and vine pattern) and folk motifs
that can be usually found in Maranao and
Muslim-influenced artwork, especially in the
southern Philippines, and in some parts of
Southeast Asia.
Panolong

Is a wing like design of a vernacular house in Maranao

called Torogan. These are ends of the floor beams that projects
and splay out like tringular butterfly wings on the façade and
side elevations.
 The Torogan is a traditional Torogan
residence of the reigning Sultan of the
Maranaw people and his family. It is
where the community traditionally
gathers for wedding, thanksgiving rites,
enthronement, and vigils for the dead.
Torogan is no ordinary home specially
to a regular Maranaw family because it
was a symbol of high social status.
Sarimanok
The Sarimanok is a legendary
bird of the Maranao people who
originate from Mindanao, a major
island in the Philippines. It comes
from the words "sari" and
"manok." "Sari" means cloth or
garment, which is generally of assorted
colors. Manòk means "chicken"
 Yakan’s Fabric and Face Make-up
The Yakan are an indigenous
Muslim tribe native to the tropical island
of Basilan. Located in the Sulu
Archipelago in the most southern region
of the Philippines. Yakan people are
recognized for their remarkable

technicolor geometric weaves and the distinctive face decorations used in

their traditional ceremonies. The Yakan are kind and loving people that embody a non-
materialistic culture and live in close-knit communities.
Yakan Weaving

Yakan weaving uses bright, bold and often contrasting

colours in big symmetrical patterns. Inspiration for designs
comes from island living and Islamic sacred geometry.
 Face Decorations
Tanyak Tanyak is a face painting custom is unique to Yakan tribal
culture. Worn only for wedding ceremonies; circles, spots and diamond
patterns are printed on the skin using bamboo implements and a thick mixture
of white flour and water. The patterns are said to have no symbolic meaning but
have been used for centuries as a form of cosmetic decoration long before
commercial products were accessible.
 T’nalak
T'nalak is a traditional cloth found in
Mindanao island made by a group of people in
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato called T'bolis, Tboli
people. This traditional cloth is hand-woven
made of Abaca fibers which traditionally has
three primary colors, red, black and the original
color of the Abaca leaves.
Pangalay
Pangalay (also known as Daling-
Daling or Mengalai in Sabah) is the
traditional “fingernail” dance of
the Tausūg people of the Sulu
Archipelago and Sabah. The dance also
means offering from its Sanskrit
origin pang-alay. Mangalay which also
means dance is very similar to classical
Balinese and Thai dances.