Brass work continues to flourish in Cotabato City
The genesis of brass work in cotabato city is not
clearly known but it is believed that the work is an
ancient one, having been existence in the city for
centuries.
Every country in the world is proud of its cultural
heritage, which comes in cultural arts of forms.
Exception to this sentiment. It has musicians,
artisans and dancers, whose art or craft dates back to
many hundred of years.
One of the oldest crafts in the sultanate is
metalwork, which started in centuries ago. This is
evidenced by the fact that not only exquisite works of
brassware’s can still be seen in private collections,
shops and museums but also in a place of Maguindanao
Province.
This is hardly surprising since anything brass was
highly sought-after items in the bygone days to the
extent that it almost became like a currency in that
it could be traded for practically anything.
Gradually
the possession and the use of brassware grew into such
significance that it was looked upon as the yardstick
of a person’s wealth in the same way as one is today
judged by the amount of the money one has in the bank.
The brassware role was important in the people lives
that a man who wished to tie the marriage-knot had to
give his dowry in the form of brass gongs and cannons.
Fines and debts were also paid in brass articles,
particularly gongs and cannons.
According to the history and records, brass work is
much older than other crafts in cotabato City and
therefore it is familiar in the Old homes of
Maguindanaon and Maranao of Cotabato, especially the
rich and powerful.
Loom-weaving…
an art into a tradition.
Cotabato City is justifiably famous for its woven
fabrics. Intricate designs made with fine and
expensive threads are the hallmarks of an industry
that has been carried out in this city for many
centuries.
Cotabato City in particular is proud of tradition in
this ancient craft and produces some of the finest
examples of Loom woven material to be seen anywhere in
the world.
Perhaps it is the skill that is passed through
generation; maybe it is the inherent patience and love
of fine workmanship which cotabateńos posses to
produce such examples of exquisite beauty. Whatever
the reason there is no doubt that to owned a malong or
a malong gown is to be treasured and savored for life.
In the maguindanao or maranao, this is well
exemplified. If a man and a woman decide to marry what
will they both wear on this most important occasion?
both royalty and commoner alike will be proud to adorn
their very best for such an occasion.
Other Crafts found in Cotabato City
Just one of the many designs of a Native floor mat,
usualy used as sleeping mat
Other decorative maguindanaon and maranaw inspired
crafs.
These decorative crafts are exported to other
countries and are very popular among tourists
