Weaving Style & Pieces
Photograph: deblois.photography
Blaan Traditional Weaving
The Blaan culture, which is renowned for its elaborate designs that are both aesthetically beautiful and symbolic of cultural narratives, has an influence on Bantilan's weaving. She frequently weaves sulif designs—repeated geometric patterns that resemble interwoven lines—to
adorn the igēm mats. The interdependence
of her people's way of life is reflected in
these motifs, which stand for solidarity
and community.
Pandan Leaves
One of her best-known designs is a mat with a sulif pattern. She used pandan leaves to create this 175 cm by 125 cm piece, which shows off her skill at creating intricate symmetrical patterns that almost seem three-dimensional. The interwoven lines of the pattern resemble the equilibrium of the natural world while hinting at harmony and connectivity.
Romblon Leaves & Natural Dye
In another of her other amazing creations, natural pigments are used to dye Romblon leaves, giving the mat a softer, more organic look. Her shift toward more naturalistic themes can be seen in the way she balances muted yet impactful crosshatched patterns with natural colors.
The following work of art features a muted, earthy-toned woven fabric. The design is a straightforward tartan or plaid that utilizes the use of muted green, beige, and natural brown tones. The material accentuates the rustic elegance of traditional Blaan weaving techniques; it is made from plant fibers like pandan and romblon. This piece serves a practical purpose and demonstrates the Bantilan's ability to create harmonious, intersecting lines and subtle texture variations. It is an excellent example of balancing functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The rest of the following pieces have been on display since 2020 in an upgraded GAMABA Hall at the National Museum of Anthropology.
Because younger weavers inherit Bantilan's techniques and designs, this cultural heritage is preserved and her work transcends generations. Her work illustrates the tenacity of the Blaan people's identity in addition to her personal talent.
Over the course of her career, Bantilan's artwork has progressed from practical mats to deeper meaning-laden symbolic pieces. Her work evolved from making commonplace objects for local consumption to works that represent cultural narratives and values. Her versatility as an artist is demonstrated by her commitment to upholding the Blaan people's customs while also experimenting with mediums and hues. Her creations have become recognized over time as national cultural treasures as well as useful items, preserved by exhibitions and awards.
The following woven mat by Bantilan features a range of rich colors, including reds, purples, and earthy tones, along with bold geometric diamond shapes. It is colorful and intricate. This piece of art seems more ceremonial or decorative because of its intricate pattern and striking appearance. The design's repeating geometric motifs, which include diamonds and zigzag patterns, are typical of Blaan weaving customs, where these symbols frequently stand in for natural phenomena or folklore. A high degree of craftsmanship and cultural significance are suggested by the painstaking arrangement of shapes and colors, which may have been used for significant community events or as a symbol of identity and heritage.