Modern Indigenous

Tinalak cloth is one of the Tiboli tribe’s traditional properties exchanged during marriages and used as covering during births. Now, this distinct cloth is being shared outside the tribe and becoming the indigenous communities’ rich means and sustenance for livelihood.

Many businesses nowadays tap the exclusive services of Tiboli women of Lake Sebu, South Cotobato for tinalak-weaving, for no machinery can equal the dexterity, artistry, and patience of the Tibolis.

To further promote our SMEs from the countryside, as well as uplift the lives of indigenous communities, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) proudly included enterprises that support products and services of minorities in several trade exhibits, such as the National Trade Fair, which included the women’s cooperative T’boli Trade and Crafts, and the Tagum Agricultural Development Co., Inc. (TADECO) for the Manila F.A.M.E.

Living Room Culture

In the April edition of the Manila F.A.M.E., tinalak caught the attention of both local and foreign buyers. This intricate cloth that usually takes months to accomplish were beautifully rendered as sofa, center table, footstool, throw pillows, votive and vase covers by the Tagum Agricultural Development Co., Inc. TADECO products were first noticed at the National Trade Fair, and now one of the well-sought exporters of tinalak-based home furniture and accents.

Simple lines, clean details, and the character of materials used in TADECO’s living room collection further inspire the emerging trend of modern indigenous (MODI) living. A boxy sofa turned so comforting with the right softness of its off-white cushion, paired with cuddly throw pillows accentuated with wood beads in ethnic patterns designed by Cesar Gaupo. You can also choose from deep reddish-brown, black, and silvery-gray throw pillows accentuated with coco and glass beads in modern yet simple patterns. Buyers were also awed with footstools shaped like bongo drums—all these are made of tinalak.

Abaca-based home accents also charmed Manila F.A.M.E. visitors. Tinalak that were carefully stripped then twisted, bound and laced with copper wire were used as special vase holder or design for photo albums. Sinamay, that can be dyed with various colors were pleated and beaded as cover for tea light candleholders. Candlesticks measuring 3 to 4 ft. made of deep-brown abaca raw fiber with copper wire also made a statement during the fair.

Beyond Living

For many, it is such a great pride to fashion tinalak as part of clothing or home. But this growing interest for this culture-rich cloth is an enormous help to the lives of the minorities - one, by giving them livelihood, second, by aiding them in promoting their cultural identity, and lastly, by making their beautiful culture live forever.