Mangyan

There are eight ethnolinguistic groups in Mindoro. One of these is the Hanunuo Mangyans to the south of the island. 

Ramit

The Hanunuo Mangyans of Mindoro still weave on their traditional backstrap looms called 'harablon.' Their textiles designs are called 'ramit' which features designs in seven different geometric patterns (scroll down to the end of the page). Traditionally, ramit textiles are worn as skirts and used as blankets to carry children. Today, women still wear ramit skirts but it is now also found in various different uses, such as scarves and table runners. 

Ramit skirt in the typical blue and white with the bugtang design, handwoven cotton with dyed indigo52" diameter x 49" heightOrigin: Hanunuo Mangyan

Mangyan ramit mintahan infinity scarf, with an unwoven section as part of the design, cotton

12 1/4" width x 79" diameter 

Origin: Hanunuo Mangyan

Gifted to Chiara Cox by the Mangyan Heritage Center


Mangyan ramit mintahan tablecloth or runner, cotton 24" width x 70" lengthOrigin: Hanunuo Mangyan

Gifted to Chiara Cox by the Mangyan Heritage Center

Mangyan ramit mintahan placemat, cotton 12 1/2" width x 16" lengthOrigin: Hanunuo Mangyan

Gifted to Chiara Cox by the Mangyan Heritage Center

Rare Vintage Handspun Cotton Blanket 

Handspun cotton has become a rare commodity. The Mangyans now use readily available thread in the market. This vintage blanket is from handspun cotton and the borders are of indigo dyed cotton.

Mangyan blanket with indigo edges, handspun cotton52" width x 52" lengthOrigin: Hanunuo Mangyan

Pakudos

The 'pakudos' is a design of crosses. These are intricately and extensively embroidered on both women and men's blouses called 'linggon' and 'balukas' respectively. It is said that the 'pakudos' is the Mangyan symbol to ward off evil and is also written with a spoon on their rice before they eat. 

Linggon

Mangyan linggon with the handstitched and embroidered pakudos design, cotton65" width x 28" lengthOrigin: Hanunuo Mangyan

Balukas

Mangyan balukas with the handstitched and embroidered pakudos design, cotton66 1/2" width x 25" lengthOrigin: Hanunuo Mangyan

Bayong

The 'bayong' is a traditional bag made by the Hanunuo Mangyan. It is used by both men and women to hold betel chew ingredients and other items. It is made out of soft, narrow strips of of buri palm leaf and nito vine.

Bayong with the tinalagkos design, nito and buri palm leaves16 1/2" diameter x 6" heightOrigin: Hanunuo MangyanGifted to Chiara Cox by the Mangyan Heritage Center
Bayong with the pinakudosan design, nito and buri palm leaves22" diameter x 8" heightOrigin: Hanunuo MangyanGifted to Chiara Cox by the Mangyan Heritage Center

Bamboo Slat

As one of only four pre-10th-century Filipino indigenous scripts still in use, the Hanunuo Mangyan writing system remains an essential part of Mangyan culture through the 'ambahan'—beautiful, sung poetry that shares wisdom across generations.  Traditionally, it is written on fresh bamboo or bamboo slats.

Modern letter opener, bamboo8" width x 0.8" heightOrigin: Hanunuo MangyanGifted to Chiara Cox by the Mangyan Heritage Center

For more information about the Hanunuo Mangyan, their writing system, and their ambahan, please check out Chiara Cox's documentary in partnership with the Mangyan Heritage Center.

To Purchase Mangyan Fabrics and Handicrafts

Please contact Emily  Lorenzo Catapang, Executive Director of the Mangyan Heritage Center