Inaul,
the Art of Weaving
...
Inaul... is the famous Maguindanao
handwoven fabric. It is used by the Maguindanaons as a “malong”, a
tabular skirt or “sarong” that wraps around the lower part of the body
and worn as traditional dress by both men and women.
Inaul, is a treasured cultural
tradition as it captures the Maguindanao symbol of distinction and royalty.
A source of pride and a testament to
the rich cultural heritage of the people of Cotabato City.
Color Symbolism
Colors of yellow and orange represent
royalty while red means bravery. Green signified peace and tranquillity.
White, the color of purity spoke of sadness and mourning. Black means
dignity. At present, the colors and lines are a matter of choice.
New designs incorporate pastel to dark shades are very commonly used.
Weaving Design
The intricate art of weaving introduced
various designs. The most popular is the plain weave such as binaludto
(rainbow), makabimban (stripes) or panigabi (taro). A weft
weave included sinodengan, matampuhay-seko, kawang and sinukipan
designs. The practice of tie-dying is another rare method locally called
binaludan (ikat).
Uses
Inaul is one of the most versatile
handwowen textile ever conceived. Women wear it as a malong skit
and as garments for formal or royal events such as weddings. Men can wear
it as a trouser for formal wear. Wound around man’s head it becomes a
turban, Folded malongs can be used as a basket, baby cradle or
bag. Others use it as a blanket, mat, curtain or pillow cases.
Nowadays its uses include gowns and dresses for women and tuxedos or polo
barongs for men.
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