Ties that Bind

Ikat is an Austronesian term meaning “to tie”. In the production of Ikat fabrics, warp or weft threads (sometimes both) are tied with strips of fiber to protect the threads from the dye. Once the dyeing is done, the strips are removed, and the threads are ready to be woven into cloth. This art form can be found in many weaving cultures of the Philippines, reflecting a common source of inspiration. In Mindanao it is known in varous terms, but each of which shares similar processes and the same material from which they are made.

The Mindanao ikat are of three types. The first type is warp ikat, which is practiced by weavers who use bast fibers (Musa Textilis), such as the Tbolis with their Tnalak, the Blaans with their mabal tabih, the Bagobo with their inabal, and the Mandaya with their dagmay. The second type is practiced by the Moros, who use spun threads and dye their weft threads. The third type is a combination of warp and weft ikat techniques, resulting in a compound ikat, which is practiced by the Meranaws.

In probing the human past, the Oceanic and Southeast Asian Navigators OCSEAN look at languages, genetics and heritage to find connections. The Ikat, thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, connects the region with the ikat textiles woven by the Ibans and the Sundanese of Malaysia, as well as the Benuaq peoples of Indonesia. These textiles bind the peoples of the region together and reflect their Austronesian heritage.

The exhibit features the works of renowned weavers such as Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasures) awardees Lang Dulay, Salinta Monon, and Yabing Masalon Dulo. Visitors can also witness live weaving demonstrations of the Blaan mabal tabih and the Mandaya dagmay, showcasing the intricate and beautiful process of creating ikat textiles.