The intricacy of preparation of the warp usually takes three days from the stringing of black and red threads across a banana and bamboo frame to form the base of the Pis Syabit tapestry. (Photo courtesy of William Solano Jr.)
Hailing from the town of Parang of Sulu province, Darhata Sawabi’s passion and love to Pis Syabit weaving touched the hearts of the people not just here but also the people coming from outside the province. Her work of art represents the resilience and hope of every Tausug.
Sawabi, a maestro and renowned weaver, gained recognition in the national and international arena for her delicate and exceptional talent in creating intricate and exquisite Pis Syabit tapestry.
The intricacy of preparation of the warp usually takes three days from the stringing of black and red threads across a banana and bamboo frame to form the base of the Pis Syabit tapestry. (Photo courtesy of William Solano Jr.)
Pis refers to the geometric pattern, and siyabit stands for the hook and technique.
Pis syabit weaving is said to be a difficult art. It is a hand-woven square measuring 39 by 40 inches, which takes some three months to weave. It consists of stringing black and red threads across a banana and bamboo frame to form the base of the tapestry.
This traditional cloth is worn as head covering of the Tausug people which rooted from their own cultural heritage. It does not only serve as head covering but also adorned native attire for the Tausug people. On special occasions, it doubles as a pouch, bag, or accessory.
The art of weaving this beautiful tapestry is preserved and is passed from generation to generation.
The Tausug men and women also use Pis Syabit as head gear. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)
Early days
As a single and independent woman, Sawabi’s journey was never easy. Farming, the primary livelihood of the people of Sulu, has faced numerous forms of struggles during the Moro and government conflict way back 1970s.
However, despite the turbulence and turmoil, she remained resilient working with perseverance to survive. She remained persistent in doing her passion as a Pis Syabit weaver.
By age 48, she employs the help of apprentice weavers and children in her work.
Facing the situation with determination, she continued to inspire other people during the time of conflict by showing them her love to her craft. She showed them that no war could end her passion and remaining steadfast in her commitment to her craft was the only way to preserve the cultural identity of the Tausug people.
Sulu’s treasure
In 2004, Sawabi’s dedication to the art of Pis Syabit weaving as well as her resilience during the struggle earned her recognition as the National Living Treasures or the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardee.
The Pis Syabit tapestry became the official representation of the Tausug spirit and resilience. It also became the symbol of Tausug determination and dedication in the face of adversity.
Her designs include bunga kiyabinga’an (house), bunga biyaybay (fish), bunga tiyambantamban (dragonfly), among others.
She died in March 2005 from a lingering illness. Today, Sawabi’s legacy lives in the heart of countless people that she continues to inspire.
Sawabi’s legacy as a National Living Treasure is painted in the hearts of Tausug people giving them the identity of their own culture and tradition.
Her dedication and insistence serve as a reminder of the significance of preserving cultural heritage and passing it to the next generations to come. Moreover, Sawabi demonstrated the rich and diverse artistic traditions that define the Bangsamoro and its people.
Her craft becomes the epitome of Tausug people’s hope and resilience until the end of time. As her craft continues to inspire, Pis Syabit will continue to adorn people and homes and uphold the cultural treasures that have been passed down through ages. (Alline Jamar M. Undikan/BIO)
