Gallery of Mangyan Arts and Crafts
Indigenous Arts and Crafts stand as a vivid and ornamental portrayal
of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Philippines.
The Mangyan cultural communities meticulously developed their artistic techniques
over numerous centuries, employing a variety of locally sourced materials
such as cotton, vines, bamboo, bark, and wood, alongside imported materials
obtained through trade with Chinese and other merchants.
Alangan Arts and Design
Alangan Indigenous Vessels
Artistic Nito Jars
Artistic Buri Bag
The bay-ong sinuluyan is a traditional bag made by the Hanunuo Mangyan. It is used by both men and women to hold betel chew ingredients and other small items. It is made out of soft, narrow strips of buri palm leaf. The pakudos or cross pattern design is created using split nito laid over strips of buri. The pakudos is a traditional symbol believed to protect the bearer from evil spirits. At present, the pakudos is commonly used as decoration for their clothing and handicrafts.
Mangyan Weaving
Mastering the intricate art of traditional weaving is a transformative process that demands meticulous attention to detail in preparing indigenous materials, performing the indigo dyeing process, and perfecting every aspect of the craft. Mangyan women, carrying on the legacy of their mothers, passionately immerse themselves in honing this skill through relentless practice and unwavering dedication, thereby safeguarding one of their indigenous treasures.
Ambahan on Bamboo
Literally ambahan means song. It is sung syllabically, in a rhyming voice, unaccompanied by any musical instrument, with beautiful inflection, and used by Mangyans at home and in their community for various purposes.
"The ambahan is a way to teach our children the names of birds, mountains, trees, plants, insects and other creatures. It is also a means to lull a child to sleep. We use the ambahan to converse, to declare, ask, and to court another." - Mangyan elder and leader, Willi Umhom & Ben Bernabe, 2017.
