Clothing & Crafts
Clothing & Crafts
The Matigsalug people's traditional attire is a vibrant reflection of their cultural identity and deep connection to nature. Their clothing is not only functional but also symbolic, with colors and patterns that convey significant meanings.
Matigsalug men traditionally wear a long-sleeved jacket paired with knee-length pants known as buendera. Their headgear, often adorned with beads and fringed with horse's hair, signifies status and is worn during special occasions. The attire is typically embellished with geometric patterns, including the pinusong design, which symbolizes the heart and represents love and unity within the community.
Women don a mid-length blouse called binalaran and a skirt known as hamet. Their ensemble is completed with accessories like necklaces (baliog), bracelets (benekel), and earrings made from beads and natural materials. These accessories are not merely decorative; they are believed to offer protection against unseen entities and are integral to various rituals and ceremonies.
The dominant colors in Matigsalug clothing are red, white, and yellow. Red signifies strength and bravery, white represents peace and purity, and yellow denotes prosperity and harvest. Patterns such as zigzags and lines are prevalent, symbolizing elements like mountains and teeth, reflecting the tribe's reverence for nature and ancestral heritage.
Matigsalug crafts are deeply rooted in their environment, utilizing locally sourced materials like bamboo, ferns, and natural dyes. Their artisans produce a variety of handcrafted items, including woven baskets, beadwork, and textiles, each piece reflecting traditional techniques passed down through generations. These crafts are not only functional but also serve as a medium for storytelling and cultural expression.