PH Consulate General in New York Launches Exhibit on Mindanao’s Rich Weaving Traditions
Ambassador Claro S. Cristobal is flanked by Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate (left) and The Hinabi Project Co-Founder Anthony Legarda (right) in launching the exhibit at the Philippine Center Gallery Lobby. (New York PCG photo)
NEW YORK 06 June 2018 – Textile arts and images of the six tribal communities, weavers, and peoples of Mindanao were the focus of an exhibit entitled “The Hinabi Project: Weaving Peace and Dreams Textile Arts of Mindanao,” opened last 06 June 2018 to kick off the Philippine Consulate General’s celebration of the 120th anniversary of Philippine independence.
Four nine-foot textile panels, intricately and precisely woven by master weavers and artists from the Mandaya, Bagobo, Yakan, Maranao, Maguindanao and Tausug communities, were the centerpieces of the show.
According to The Hinabi Project Co-Founder Anthony Legarda, who did a National Commission for Culture and Arts-sponsored research in Mindanao, the motifs and patterns are centuries-old and showcase the best of southern Philippine indigenous textile arts. He added that the designs and symbols used for the exhibit were carefully selected for their royal significance.
The exhibit launching also served as the Independence Day Diplomatic Reception hosted by Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate.
The event was attended by Ambassador Claro S. Cristobal, who flew to New York to represent Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano in the Philippine Independence Day celebrations. Guests included the diplomatic corps, partners in the business sector, members of the academe and the media.
The Iskwelahang Pilipino Dance and Rondalla Group, composed of 14 young Filipinos and Filipino-Americans from Boston, performed Mindanao traditional dances and rendered Filipino songs through their rondalla, to the delight of the guests.
The following day, The Hinabi Project Co-Founder Dr. Michael Gonzales gave a lecture on the endeavor, centering on its mission to preserve and promote artisanal weaving arts of indigenous peoples of the Philippines. He emphasized the goal of the project, which is not merely to showcase the textile artistry but also to underscore the need for integrated solutions that will assist the diversity of indigenous cultural communities and the continuity of their weaving traditions. END
Ambassador Claro S. Cristobal delivers the message of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano during the diplomatic reception. (New York PCG photo)
Iskwelahang Pilipino, a group of young Filipino-Americans from Boston, perform a Rondalla number during the reception. (New York PCG photo)
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