replica of women weaving. photos taken at Davao MuseumA Mandaya legend says that, the good spirit Tagamaling taught a Mandaya woman how to weave abaca fiber and make the designs. It took the woman three months to master the art of producing the textile dagmay.
Among the Bagobos, it was the spirit Baipandi, who taught the weavers tie dyeing (ikot) method and the designs woven into fabric. Baipandi also taught them the art of embroidery and beadwork.
Indeed, in the past, the art of weaving is a sacred activity. There were many taboos associated with it. As the weaving area was a sacred ground, where the spirits were actively inspiring and guiding the weavers, it was off limits to the male members of the community. Violation of the taboo carried stiff penalty.
Among the Bagobos, it was the spirit Baipandi, who taught the weavers tie dyeing (ikot) method and the designs woven into fabric. Baipandi also taught them the art of embroidery and beadwork.
Indeed, in the past, the art of weaving is a sacred activity. There were many taboos associated with it. As the weaving area was a sacred ground, where the spirits were actively inspiring and guiding the weavers, it was off limits to the male members of the community. Violation of the taboo carried stiff penalty.
Source: The Textiles of Southern Philippines
