The Music and Arts of Mindanao

Philippines lies midway of the Asia’s Sea route

We are mostly being visited by our close neighbours such as

Malaysia and Indonesia.

Arab traders from Malay and Borneo have introduced

Islam from Southern Island up to north Luzon

Ethnic People of Mindanao

People of the current - Tausugs

People of the lake - Maranaos

Indigenous peoples of South Cotabato –

T’boli

People of the flood plain – Maguindanao

People from Southeast Mindanao -

Mandayas

T’Boli

T’boli – are known for their distinctive colorful clothing.

Nearly all of their clothing is made out of t’nalak, a cloth

that has brown background, lightened by red and beige

designs.

Women wear ornamental combs, earrings, bracelet and

rings.

The t’boli usually cover their heads with turbans or large

circular hats.

Mandaya

Mandaya – exhibits equisite adornment for clothing.

The cloth of they used is called dagmay, it is made out

of vegetable dyed abaca fibers, tie-dyed to create flora

and fauna patterns.

Maranao

Maranaos – are skillfull craftsmen and artist.

Most of their crafts were patterned after okir or okkil.

Figural Representation of Maranao art is the famous Sarinamanok,

which signifies bravery and nobility.

Okir Design

Bagobo

Bagobo – live along the desolated eastern coast of the Gulf of Davao.

They imitate the metal works and art of the Moros (Muslim warrior).

Produced an ornate tradition of weaponry, bell-jangled metal boxes,

weaving of abacca.

Tiruray

Tiruray – resides at the Southwestern part of Mindanao.

They weave beautiful strong baskets.

They are fond of wearing beaded elaborate clothing.

Songs and Dances of Mindanao

1. Music for religious activities such as the lunghu, performed by

the Tausugs during Ramadan.

2. Music of entertainment such as love songs, lullabies, legend

chants, and courtship.

Music of Mindanao

Musical Instruments of Mindanao

Kulintang

Came from Maguindanao, which composed of a row of small

horizontally-laid brass gongs that functions as melody.

Gandingan

A set of four large hanging gongs which is played as part of the Kulintang-Ensemble

Agung

A set of two large hanging gongs (thicker than

gandingan) which is played as part of the Kulintang-

Ensemble

Suling

Also called the ring flute, is the smallest bamboo flute in Maguindanao.

Palendag

A lip valley flute that is very common in Maguindanao

Kagul

Is a Maguindanao bamboo scraper/slit drum

Kutyapi

A two-stringed musical instrument with very elaborate design.

Dabakan

A drum that looks like a goblet

Jew Harp

Considered one of the oldest musical instruments

existed.It consists of flexible metal or bamboo tongue

or reed attached to a frame