Tags: Indigenous Culture
By KC Santos
SINUNUC, ZAMBOANGA CITY –The Yakans, considered one of the last tribes of Mindanao, found their way to Zamboanga to seek refuge from their war-torn homeland.
The Yakan tribe, formerly known as the Tanguina, is said to have gotten its name from the Yakal tree, which was abundant in the province during colonial times. The Yakans took with them their impressive weaving skills when they settled in Zamboanga.
Currently, the Yakans are using this talent as a source of income and their works are often praised for their beauty.
Blogger Enrico Dee wrote that the Yakan weavers merely picture a design they want to do in their heads and without a drawn pattern. The weavers then create the pattern using fine abaca strands and pineapple fibers.
Another blogger Johann Stockinger wrote that Yakan weavers often get design inspirations from nature, particularly animals.
Although the techniques in the weaving process itself are preserved, he added that some Yakan weavers have already “modernized” their designs because of contact with members of the American Peace Corps and Christian visitors.
The products made by Yakan hands are very durable and thus are much sought after by various markets around the world, according to travel blogger Ferdinand Decena.
He wrote that the woven products sold there are relatively cheaper than buying the items in Manila. The items range from table cloths, bags, purses, multi-purpose containers worth P300 and above while coin purses costs about P10 to P20 pesos.
Despite their turbulent past, the Yakan weavers continue to create works of art. This is the reason that the local government is constantly finding ways to charm visitors to appreciate the culture of the Yakans through their weaving.
The Yakan Weaving Center is located across La Vista de Mar beach resort at the border of Barangay Upper Calarian and Sinunuc along the National Highway. It is accessible by jeepneys and mini-buses bound for Sinunuc from the public market.
(Photos taken from Seasite.nu.edu, Jens Peters and Ferdinand Decena via Flickr)
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