The T’boli of Mindanao

CEBU, Philippines - In this age rapid and vast technological advancement, it is refreshing to know that certain old traditions survive. In fact, in some places, the traditional way of life is largely intact, seemingly unperturbed in the face of the many changes taking place around. A good example is the various tribal communities in the Philippines.

There are reportedly over 40 different ethnic groups in the Philippines,18 of which are found on the island of Mindanao. Perhaps the most widely known these Mindanao tribes is the T'boli. The tribe settles in the province of South Cotabato, around lake Sebu.

The coming of settles from the other islands of the country has since pushed the T’boli to the highlands. But their way of life has remained the same, very much like how their ancestors lived centuries before. Their life is simple, mainly dependent on the produce of the land, mainly by slash-and-burn farming.

The tribe subsists on planting corn, upland rice and vegetables. Much of their produce is for family consumption, although the occasional surplus would be sold to the lowland communities. They also do art crafts that are very much part of their collective identity, and highly in demand among art collectors and art lovers.

The T'boli distinguish themselves from other tribal groups by their colorful garments, bracelets and earrings. The tribe is known for its complicated beadwork, wonderful woven fabrics and beautiful brass ornaments. These are complemented by their music and dances that mimic the sound and actions of animals such as monkeys and birds.

The rich T'boli musical culture involves a variety of musical instruments. Interestingly, the T'boli music and songs are not meant for entertainment only; these are their means of contact with their ancestors and a source of ancient wisdom. The T'boli believe in a spirit world – that everything has a spirit, which must be respected for good fortune and to ward off bad spirits that can cause illness and misfortune.

A special, traditional and sacred cloth hand-woven by the T'boli women is called the T'nalak. The cloth is exchanged during marriages and used as a cover during births. It is made from abaca is the best known T'boli craft.

The tribe considers its women as dream weavers, who, through sacred ritual, get the ideas for the T’nalak designs and cloth patterns in their dreams. The patterns are then carried out using a centuries-old process that’s been handed down through generations. The T’boli men are not allowed to touch the chosen abaca fiber and other materials for the weaving and the weaver should not mate with her husband the time the cloth is woven, for it may break the fiber and destroy the design.

The T’nalak is a reflection of the tribe's collective imagination and cultural soul. The textile has become the pride not only of the province of South Cotabato but of the whole country as well. And yet, T’nalak is not the only jewel in the colorful T’boli culture – the tribe has its own cuisine, social traditions, and other traits that are also worth the notice and praise.