Albong Tukmun

South Central Mindanao

 Beadwork among the B’laans involve mother-of-pearl discs (takmun). Shell discs were the most popular means of ornamenting abaca and cotton garments of the animist peoples of Mindanao. Beadworkers in Lamlifew say that the triangular motifs are symbolic of mountains, of Mt. Matutum in particular, which is regarded as a sacred mountain. Not only albong takmun / takmum (woman’s blouse) but also sawal (man’s trousers) were ornamented with mother-of-pearl shell discs (takmun or takmum).

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