tribaltextiles.info

Hello all,
My family and I had the opportunity to spend a few days recently with my dear T'boli friends in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Mindanao. While Lang Dulay has become somewhat of a celebrity over the last several years, it was so unique and wonderful to spend some time with her and the other weavers. She happily got down on the floor and did a bit of weaving for us. Along with some amazing memories, we were able to come away with some absolutely priceless treasures including several pieces from Lola's (we call her Lola) personal collection; a nice malong, a beautiful kegal nisif (embroidered blouse), swat (haircomb), brass belt and of course some lovely rolls of t'nalak personally woven by Lola - which is a rarity at this point.

I've attached a few photos. South Cotabato is a strange and beautiful place and the T'boli people are so very special in so many ways. I treasure them.

I am guessing many of you have visited the Lake Sebu area before. If so, maybe you can share a bit about your experience or show some of the beautiful textiles you seen or acquired there. Thanks in advance.

Best,
Craig

Hi Craig

Many thanks for telling us about your visit to your T'boli friends who live around Lake Sebu and sharing your photos. I am very attracted to T'nlak and am fortunate to have a role as well as the beautiful book: 'Dreamweavers' which has such stunning photos of T'nlak that the wonderful ikat just seems to be touchable on the page! (Info on the book at http://www.tribaltextiles.info/bibliogr ... _books.htm )

There are several threads on the forum with info and photos on the T'boli and T'nlak - I recommend using the Search function (button in top left of screen available whether you are logged in or not) and search for the terms. However, I definitely support Craig in his request for members to share any stories and/or photos of their travels to the Lake Sebu area AND any textiles from there!

_________________
Pamela

http://www.tribaltextiles.info
on-line tribal textiles resource

Hello,

Here is a look at a nice full roll of t'nalak. This role originates from the Henry Otley Beyer collection. Most likely woven in the mid 20th century. While not exactly cared for properly for many years, it did remain rolled up. It's dyes have only faded slightly and it retains a relatively nice sheen. I hope you like it.

Craig

Hello,

Attached are photos of another roll of t'nalak I was recently able to add to my collection. This t'nalak was originally obtained in 1968 by the gentleman I purchased it from. After all these years, the sheen is excellent, the dyes are still fresh and the pattern is sharp. It is noticeably softer and more pliable than most t'nalak and abaca I have touched. Very pleasing. My dear T'boli friend says this softness is usually attributed to a process called "tenena" which involves soaking the dyed but unwoven fibers in "loho" or lime for 36 hours before weaving. Enjoy.

Best,
Craig

Thank you Craig for sharing photos of these handsome textiles. I am quite attracted to these and find your examples to be very beautiful, with crisp, graphic patterning and balanced use of colors. And it's especially interesting to see photos of the people there. Hopefully, others on the forum will have T'boli/t'nalak photos to share too.

_________________
Pamela

http://www.tribaltextiles.info
on-line tribal textiles resource