This t'nalak was made on south Cotabato province, Mindanao, Philippines.

The use of warp ikat to patten banana fibre cloth was practised by the Bogobo, Bilaan and T'boli peoples of the southern Philippines. The patterns created by the T'boli weavers in and said to show stylised house structures with people inside. Lengths of cloth like this were sewn lengthwise in twos or threes to make ceremonial blankets called kumo, which were traditionally given to the bridegroom's family at T'boli weddings.

Textile length (t'nalak), banana fibre, T'Boli people, Philippines.

Long panel of banana (abaca) cloth, locally known as t'nalak. The central panel is ikat dyed with a repeat pattern in natural white and red on black ground. The 10cm wide borders on each side are of narrow warpwise stripes in black, red and white, with a 2cm wide ikat dyed stripe in red and natural white. One end is hemmed, the other has a warp fringe which has been finger spun and plied to form tassels. Each tassel is bound to secure the twist.

Made: Mindanao Island, Philippines

85/645

1500 mm

540 mm