The time-bound tradition of weaving represents the richness of the culture of many communities around the world. From harvesting the fibers, to stripping, knotting, tying, and eventually forming intricate textiles, the meticulous artistry involved in coming up with tapestries speaks of experience that is passed on over time.

 

Bernadeth Ofong, a master T’Boli weaver from Lake Sebu, South Cotobato, Philippines has been making T’nalak for more than 30 years. Using stripped abaca fiber and dyed naturally in tones of red and black, the T’Boli hand-made tradition of weaving is deeply rooted in their way of life. Through the CustomMade Crafts Center, Inc. (CMCC), textlies such by the T’boli, Higaonon, Yakan, and Kalinga tribes are being popularized through marketing to a broader market that is appreciative of such cultural products.

 

In Indonesia, Craft Kalimantan, a network of grassroots organizations supporting Dayak weavers across Kalimantan is aimed at improving the quality of life of the weavers through the incorporation of sustainability into their tradition through. To date, the network has provided assistance in marketing and managing enterprises by 400 weavers from 25 villages on the island of Borneo whose products are marketed through Borneo Chic (BC). One of which is Diana, whose expertise is on making baskets and Pua textiles from Kalimantan.

 

Tomorrow, Bernadeth and Diana will be joined by other NTFP-EP community partners as well as artisans from around the globe in this year’s International Folk Art Market (IFAM) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. Since its beginnings, the IFAM has been providing opportunity for artists to share not just their products, but also stories of success and challenges that they are facing in the marketplace. Each year, weavers like Bernadeth will be able to showcase and sell their products and engage in conversations with enthusiasts and buyers that could help their product development.

 

The market by the International Folk Art Alliance (IFAA) starts tomorrow, July 19, and delegates from CMCC and BC will share to the world a showcase of their rich tradition of hand-weaving and craft making.

 

 For more information on IFAM, visit www.folkartalliance.org

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