MB Ambalang Ausalin Birth Anniversary 

As we commemorate her birth anniversary today, the #NationalMuseumPH looks back at the artistry of Yakan textiles and the legacy of Manlilikha ng Bayan Ambalang Ausalin, who recently passed away at the age of 78 last 18 February 2022.

A master magtetennun (weaver) of Yakan textiles, MB Ambalang Ausalin, or Apuh Ambalang, was renowned for her excellent skills in Yakan weaving techniques and designs, such as the sinalu’an and seputangan, the trademark of which were eye-catching colors and balanced combination of minute diamonds and other geometric designs. 

Yakan textile is said to be a reflection of the “pure beauty of nature.” Each design and shape weaved through the cloth carries meaning drawn from nature. Plant and animal motifs in the designs speak of their cultural significance to their community. For instance, the punoh punoh, which abound the sides of the seputangan, represents the mountains. The diamonds which are commonly used in the seputangan, as seen in the dinglu or mata mata (diamond/eye) and kabban buddi (diamond/triangle) designs, symbolize rice grains and wealth. The X-shaped designs, which form an illusion when grouped with the diamonds, represent rice mortars. The combination of diamonds and X-shaped designs thus alludes to a bountiful harvest and captures an aspect of the Yakan community as being agriculturists. 

Some of the animal motifs seen in the bunga sama, include the kaba kaba (fairy or butterfly wings) and the snake, which are considered as the vehicles of spirits and a symbol of power and authority. These designs of the bunga sama, also trademarked for their bold and floral designs, are used particularly for the trousers of high-status males. 

For Apuh Ambalang, the close association between Yakan textiles and nature required her to be in commune with the environment, spirit ancestors, and the Creator and to manifest this harmony through her tools—the thread and the loom. This artistry, which she passed down to her daughters, nieces, and other weavers, strengthens the identity of the Yakan community and helps preserve their heritage, amidst the threat of these traditions disappearing in a more globalized world. 

#AmbalangAusalin
#GAMABA
#ManlilikhaNgBayan
#YakanTextiles

Text and poster by the NMP Ethnology Division

Photo courtesy of the NCCA GAMABA Executive Council 

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