Yakan, Weaving, Cotton, Suwah bekkat, Suwah pendan
Bagano,
A NATIONAL TREASURE OF THE YAKAN TEXTILE WEAVING
Introduction
Early Life and Career
Personal Life
Cultural Significance
Challenges and Setbacks Analysis
Legacy
Conclusion
April 2023 |
ISSUE No 1
In today's globalized world, where traditional practices are threatened, the art of Yakan weaving serves as a symbol of the community's cultural legacy.
Ambalang Ausalin is a Yakan textile weaver awarded with National Living Treasures Award, or known as the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan She was renowned for her skills in making the trademark of the Yakan weaving technique designs called inalu’an and seputangan Apuh Ambalang Ausalin, had a deep connection with nature, spirit ancestors, and the Creator She believed that to create beautiful Yakan textiles, she needed to be in harmony with these elements and express this harmony through her tools, such as the thread and loom Apuh Ambalang shared her artistry with her family and other weavers, helping to strengthen the Yakan community's identity and preserve their heritage
Born in a Yakan community in Basilan in 1943, Ausalin learned weaving from her mother and developed a passion for the craft She began weaving at the age of 10 and soon became known in her community for her exceptional skills
Ausalin was born into a family of weavers, and she learned the craft from her mother at a young age As she grew older, she continued to refine her skills and eventually gained a reputation as a master weaver She became a sought-after teacher of the craft, sharing her knowledge with younger generations of Yakan women Her work gained recognition beyond her community, and she began to participate in regional and national exhibitions In 2016, she received the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award, the country's highest recognition for traditional artists
Ausalin has passed down her intricate weaving skills to her children, preserving the Yakan weaving tradition in her community despite the shortage of materials like cotton to create clothing and accessories
Yakan weaving plays a vital role in Yakan culture, serving various purposes such as clothing, table runners, placemats, wall decor, and doilies The colors and intricate designs present in Yakan textiles are a testament to their rich history and traditions Ausalin's contributions to the preservation and promotion of this art form are crucial as she teaches and passes down her skills to younger generations Additionally, the award of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan has raised awareness about the importance of preserving Yakan weaving both locally and globally
Despite Ausalin's dedicated efforts, the traditional Yakan weaving practice is encountering several difficulties The younger generation seems to have less enthusiasm for learning traditional arts, and the government's support for preserving the tradition was not evident until recently
Ambalang Ausalin is a 73-year-old virtuoso weaver from the Yakan community in Parangbasak, Lamitan City, known for her exceptional skills in weaving She learned from her mother, who was the best weaver of her time and is highly esteemed in all of Lamitan for her expertise in all designs and textile categories typical to the Yakan The Yakan community is known for its intricate and colorful textiles with tiny motifs, and the backstrap tension loom is used to weave them Ambalang Ausalin can execute the suwah bekkat and suwah pendan techniques of the bunga sama category and possesses the complex knowledge of the entire weaving process, aware at the same time of the cultural significance of each textile design or category There are different categories of a Yakan cloth, including bunga sama, sinalu’an, and seputangan, and Ambalang has mastered all these
Ambalang Ausalin's legacy is significant, both within her community and beyond, including her exceptional skill and knowledge in Yakan weaving She is a highly respected and revered weaver in the Yakan community, who can bring forth all designs and actualize all textile categories typical to the Yakan Her mother, who was the best weaver of her time, mentored Ambalang, and she has mastered all the categories of Yakan cloth, although her artistry and craftsmanship are best expressed in the bunga sama, sinalu’an and seputangan Ambalang possesses complex knowledge of the entire weaving process, aware at the same time of the cultural significance of each textile design or category Her work has earned her national and international recognition, and her influence on younger generations of weavers is evident She has helped to preserve a traditional art form and promote the value of indigenous culture in the Philippines Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of weavers and cultural advocates Ausalin has passed on her skills and knowledge to her family, ensuring that the tradition will continue in her community She has received numerous awards and honors, including the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, the highest honor given to traditional artists in the Philippines
Ambalang Ausalin is a virtuoso from the weaving domicile of the Yakan in Parangbasak, Lamitan City, who is highly esteemed in all of Lamitan She is able to bring forth all designs and actualize all textile categories typical to the Yakan, possessing the complex knowledge of the entire weaving process and
the cultural significance of each textile design or category She is considered one of the finest weavers in the Southern Philippines and is best known for her artistry and craftsmanship in the bunga sama, sinalu’an, and seputangan categories of weaving Additionally her title as a National living treasure provides insight into the Yakan weaving tradition, weaving techniques, and the significance of the back strap tension loom
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