By Judy Ann Pablo
January 27, 2022
The cultural clothes (also known as traditional garb) of the Blaan is mostly handmade. The materials used are mostly indigenous (meaning, the materials are those that you can easily find around a locality) and recently, there are added things that are purchased at reasonable prices from various suppliers.
I saw some Blaan accessories and clothing in stores and souvenir shops. May mga kilala ako na marunong gumawa ng mga ito. My friends and colleagues who are Blaan make beautiful clothes and handicrafts. For example, a Blaan textile makes use of different colors of beads, and thread. Some are woven for a long period of time, like a month or so. You have to be focused when you make it. Those who are experts can finish it within half a month or less. Some take more time because they put a lot of designs.
Here are some Blaan clothing and accessories:
A dress in Blaan is called Saól or Albóng. Mahalaga sa Blaan ang kanilang mga damit at balabal (Dafèng o Kàyàb). Sa tuwing sinusuot ito ng mga babae (Baè) o lalaki (Fúlong), dito mo makikita ang mas tumitingkad pa na kagandahan ng mga Blaan.
Sa tuwing may okasyon kung saan may mga bisita, suot ng mga Blaan ang kanilang mga traditional na kasuotan at nakakadagdag ito sa kanilang attractiveness. Nagtatanghal din sila ng kanilang sayaw o tinatawag na Màhràl suot ang mga ito. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasayaw ay nakakapagbigay sila ng mensahe sa ibang tao. Nasa kultura ng Blaan na sumayaw tuwing may okasyon.
The methods in creating Blaan textile and accessories come from the ancestors of the Blaan because it part of their culture. Continuing to perform these make the Blaan proud. The Blaan are known for being hardworking and helpful people.
The textiles and accessories are proof of the Blaan's ingenuity and perseverance. The talents that the Blaan have make them capable of making beautiful textiles and accessories. They learn it because they are the ones who can teach the art to their children.
There are also young people today who make Blaan clothing. These Blaan textile workers are supported by their local governments. With the talents and skills of the Blaan, the culture will further develop. Whether young or old, Blaan people who persevere and have diligence will continue to make textiles and accessories. Although the Blaan are overlooked, they do not give up when it comes to their talent, and they respect their fellow human beings, no one is trampled on. #
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