Creation of T'nalak

T'nalak is an indigenous cloth produced by T'boli in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Mindanao. One part of the indigenous group, T’boli has a cohort that consists of women who engage in t’nalak preservation and learning on how to weave the t’nalak fabric would be significant. Unlike other cultural leader groups, Lang Dulay’s group has a different approach in creating t’nalak, she must first dream the inspiration of the design for her and the group begin the process of weaving, thus, that is why they’re called “Dreamweavers.” Furthermore, these dreams represent the story of their group as they face the blessings and wrath of nature. Afterwards, they had to start by gathering raw materials for their craft, such as leaf-stems, fibers from abaca, and colors from bark, roots, and leaves. Along with this, they refine and even out the fibers before dyeing, drying, and tying them in strands. Lastly, she then prepares the strands for a long tie-dye weaving procedure on a back-strap loom utilizing the idea from the dream.