Fabrics

The diversity of Mindanao culture can be seen in the different fabrics worn by every Mindanaoan tribe. They wear hand-woven fabrics in rich colours and patterns that attract people here and abroad. Tribes in Mindanao are experts in fabric weaving. It is their way of preserving their rich culture and tradition.

Making Malong in Mindanao

Making Malong in Mindanao

One example of fabric in Mindanao is Malong. This fabric is traditionally worn by Maranaos in their everyday life as skirt or dress. The material used may vary according to its use and purpose. Muslims, men and women, wear malong in praying. Besides its religious use, social and economic status of the wearer can be determined with the use of this garment. Royal families wear malongs made from quality threads and decorated with silk. During Muslim gatherings and important events, they wear malongs that are intended for such occasions. When a Muslim or Maranao dies, he or she is wrapped in a malong. Cultural and theatre shows use malong as backdrop, and as skirt for the singkil dance. Today, even non-Muslim Mindanaoans wear or use malong as sleepwear, blanket, towel, and as a covering when changing clothes.

Inaul malong is made of native hand-woven material, either cotton or silk threads. This type is more expensive than the machine-made malong made of ordinary cotton. Prices range from 500 to 2,500 pesos depending on the design and colour. Several fashion shows using inaul hand-woven fabrics are held in different cities in Mindanao. This is one way of showcasing the unique culture of the people of Mindanao. Other products made of inaul are also presented in some of these mentioned fashion shows. (Source: http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/tl/tl012900.htm)

T’boli is one of the major tribes in Mindanao, particularly in South Cotabato. They are also known worldwide for their unique fabric t’nalak. T’nalak is made of hand-woven abaca fabrics. “This native T’nalak craft has put Lake Sebu town on the international map. Without T’nalak, the world would never have known that our municipality exists,” in the words of Rosie Sula, disseminations officer of Helobung Troupe, an NGO that helped preserved the weaving tradition of T’boli.


  1. a. pangilan Said,

    Mindanao muslims just like any other muslims of the world are wrapped in white unsewn fabric when they die and not with malong because, malong are usually colorful fabrics which is not allowed to wrapped the dead. Even this white cloth are removed from the dead when their body is laid on the ground. At birth we were naked and so is when we die. no offense to the writer. My greeting of Peace

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