What are the relationship of Mindanao arts and crafts to Philippine culture, tradition, and history
particularly with Islamic influences and indigenous practices?
Answers
Answer:
Mindanao is often depicted as a place of anger, hate, division, politics, and chaos. But to really see its beauty, one must experience the Mindanao culture brimming with life and colors.
And once you’ve experienced the culture of Mindanao, you will love the Land of Promise as much as you love other regions in the Philippines.
We can already see how rich the culture of Mindanao is through its languages. In Mindanao, there are dozens of languages spoken, among the most widely spoken are Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Surigaonon, Tausug, Maranao, Maguindanao, and Chavacano.
Languages in Mindanao
Cebuano (Bisaya): Northern Mindanao (except the southern parts of Lanao del Norte), the Davao region, the western half of the Caraga region (as well as the city of Bislig and the municipalities surrounding it in Surigao del Sur), the entirety of the Zamboanga Peninsula (with the exception of Zamboanga City), and southern Soccsksargen.
Hiligaynon: Soccsksargen
Surigaonon: Eastern half of the Caraga region, mainly by the eponymous Surigaonons
Tausug: Western territories of the BARMM, specifically the Sulu Archipelago (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi)
Maguindanao and Maranao: Eastern territories of the BARMM, respectively, with the former being spoken in Lanao del Sur and the southern areas of Lanao del Norte; the latter in the eponymous province of Maguindanao and also in adjacent areas which are part of Soccsksargen
Chavacano: Zamboanga City, Basilan, southernmost fringes of Zamboanga Sibugay, Cotabato City, and Davao City
Experiencing the culture of Maguindanao, the Caraga Region culture and tradition, or the culture of Mindanao in general is not complete without tasting the rich flavors of the region. Mindanao cuisine is very recognizable in terms of flavor compared to the rest of the Philippines. Spanish and Malay flavors of nearby Southeast Asian countries largely influenced how the locals cook as dishes in Mindanao are known for their use of coconut milk and spices like chili, onion, and ginger.
Must-try food in Mindanao
Piyanggang Manok (Grilled Chicken in Burnt Coconut, Tausug)
Tiyulah Itum (Slow Cooked Beef/Chicken in Burnt Coconut Broth)
Piyalam (Stewed Fish, Tausug)
Piyaren Udang (Prawn with Sautéed Coconut, Lanao)
Piassak (Cow Liver in Burnt Coconut)
Riyandang Kambing (Mutton with Coconut and Spices, Lanao)
Kulma Baka (Beef Stewed in Coconut Milk, Tausug)
Kiyuning (Golden Rice)
Kagikit Manok (Spicy Chicken Flakes)
Kagikit na Isda (Spicy Fish Flakes)
Curacha (Deep-sea Crab)
Sinuglaw (Sugba + Kinilaw)
Durian
Weaving is culture, an identity, and a way of life for some of the most indigenous communities in the Philippines. Some people might think that these are just another colorful fabric you’d see elsewhere but it’s not. It’s carefully handcrafted by the creative Mindanao people, each has its own meaning for different uses. There’s something special about the Mindanao culture and arts that involve weaving. For the people of the south, weaving is a huge part of their Mindanao culture and tradition that distinguishes them from the rest.
Famous Mindanao Textiles
Ikat (Made by Mandaya people of Davao Oriental, Bagobo and B’laan)
Inaul (Made by Maguindanaon)
Malong (Made by Maranao people)
Bunga Sama (Made by the Yakan tribe)
Sinaluan (Made by the Yakan tribe)
Pussuk Labbung (Made by the Yakan tribe)
Kabban Budi (Made by the Yakan tribe)
T’Nalak (Made by the T’Boli tribe)
Habul Tiyahian (Made by Tausug people)
Inabal (Made by Bagobo tribe)
We may be living in a digital age right now but some parts of the Philippines are working hard to preserve its rich cultural heritage for the world to see and experience. The culture and tradition of Mindanao is like no other. The Mindanao folk dances is just one among the many things that make the cultural practices in Mindanao stand out.
One notable folk dance in Mindanao is Pangalay. It is a tradition in Mindanao performed usually during weddings of the affluent families. Pangalay folk dance may last for several days or even weeks depending on the financial status and agreement of both families.
Mindanao Folk Dances
Singkil
Pangalay
Dugso
Itik-itik
Sagayan
Karasaguyon
Asik
Udol
Maglangka
Bangkakaw
Madal Tahaw
Since there are many groups of indigenous peoples in Mindanao, expect that there are also various colorful and beautiful traditional clothing. Among the most famous are:
Malong (Maranao and Maguindanao)
Kegal T’boli (T’Boli)
Semmek (Yakan)
Pis (Tausug)
Tadjung (Tausug)
Kandit (Tausug)
Sinulog (Manobo)
Sempek (Manobo)
Lugahait Festival (Misamis Oriental)
Kap’yaan Festival (Davao del Sur)
Panagtagbo Festival (Tagum City)
Balangay Festival (Butuan City)
Explanation:
The Philippines' culture is mostly a combination of Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions. Their festivals are to die for, and they have a terrific sense for fashion and art.
In the largely Roman Catholic Philippines, Mindanao is a Muslim outpost.
Despite the fact that Muslims are no longer the majority, Islamic culture is visible; there are numerous mosques and distinctive brassware, such as the kris, or dagger, is produced.
Eg:Malong is Mindanao's traditional clothing. The malong is a traditional Filipino tube skirt made of multi-colored cotton cloth that is hand-woven or machine-made and features geometric or floral themes.