Al Jamelah Weaving Center

Al Jamelah Weaving Center is a place where you can witness the art and tradition of weaving the famous Maguindanaon malong, a colorful and versatile cloth that can be used as a skirt, dress, blanket, or bag. The weaving center showcases the skills and creativity of the local women who produce these exquisite fabrics.

The weaving center is located in the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat in the province of Maguindanao, Philippines. It was established to empower the Bangsa-Moro women in Maguindanao and to help them support themselves, as well as preserve the cultural identity of the Maguindanao people.

The weaving center displays various designs of the malong, such as the binaludto rainbow, panigabi (taro), and the rare tie-dyed binaludan, which is also known as ikat among the T'boli and the Cordillera people. The number of days to finish the malong depends on the difficulty of the design and pattern, but the average is one to three days. The malong is sold at around 500 to 1,000 pesos per meter depending on the design and the materials used.

The malong is considered one of the most versatile handwoven textile, as it can be worn in different ways depending on the occasion and preference of the wearer. The more formal designs are used during weddings and other special occasions, while the simpler ones are used for everyday wear. The malong can also be used as a turban, blanket, prayer mat, sun shade, shawl, curtain, or picnic mat.

The malong is a symbol of the rich culture and heritage of the Maguindanao people, who have been weaving it for centuries. The malong reflects their history, identity, and values as a people. The colors and patterns of the malong have meanings and significance that relate to their beliefs, traditions, and environment.

Photo credits: http://mindanawani.blogspot.com/