1. HUM 103
Period: 1st sem S.Y. _____
Course: BSBA
Topic:
Week: 1
UNIVERSITY OF CEBU
Maritime Education Program
Introduction to Philippine Indigenous Crafts
3. Introduction
Philippine indigenous crafts are more than just
cultural artifacts—they are economic assets with
strong potential in both local and global markets. For
Business Administration students, understanding
these crafts means recognizing niche opportunities
where tradition meets entrepreneurship.
By learning about their cultural significance, economic
value, and regional diversity, students can explore
ways to transform these traditional products into
marketable goods, fostering both business growth
and the preservation of cultural heritage.
4. Learning Outcomes
• Define indigenous crafts and their significance in
Philippine culture and economy.
• Identify the role of indigenous craftsmanship in business
and entrepreneurship.
• Recognize examples from Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao.
5. Grading System
Grading system for Course with Lecture and Laboratory
I. Class Standing(70%)
Written Exam = 20%
Oral Exam = 20%
Research Works = 20%
Outputs such as projects, portfolio and other task related to the
course outcome =40
II. Course Periodic Exam(30%)
Major Examination
6. Name one everyday object you
think began as a craft.
Why might customers prefer handmade
vs. mass-produced versions?”
7. T’nalak (close-up of ikat pattern)
The T’nalak is a handwoven cloth made from abacá fibers
by the T’boli people of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Its
designs are created through an ikat technique, where
threads are resist-dyed before weaving, resulting in
geometric and symbolic motifs. The close-up view reveals
slightly blurred edges where dye meets undyed fiber — a
signature of ikat work.
Each pattern is believed to be revealed to the weaver in a
dream, giving the cloth a spiritual dimension and elevating it
beyond mere textile to a sacred object in T’boli culture.
Traditionally, T’nalak is used in significant life events such
as weddings, births, and rituals, serving as a symbol of
peace and prosperity.
8. T’nalak weavers at loom
The fibers are then sun-dried, and then dyed using the
indigenous dye-resist technique called "ikat." Sections of
the abaca thread are coated by the weaver with a wax-
resistant substance so that they will resist the dye.
The process is repeated several times in order to suit the
requirements of the design.
T'nalak contains three colours: white symbolises purity,
red represents blood and black signifies the soil. In
addition to white abacá, the red dye comes from the
brownish-red roots of the loko tree, while the black is
obtained by boiling the green leaves of the knalum tree for
seven days, which turn them dark as ink.
9. Bulul (Ifugao carved rice guardian)
used in ceremonies associated with rice
production and with healing. The creation
of a bulul involves alwen bulul ritual by a
priest to ensure that the statue gains
power.
“Bulul — Ifugao carved guardian for rice;
spiritual and functional role.”
10. Okir carving (Maranao wood panels / panolong)
Okir, also spelled okil or ukkil, is the term for
rectilinear and curvilinear plant-based designs and
folk motifs that can be usually found among the
Moro and Lumad people of the Southern
Philippines, as well as parts of Sabah.
It is particularly associated with the artwork of the
Maranao and Sama (Badjao) tribes, although it
can also be found to a lesser extent among the
Maguindanao, Iranun, Tausug, Yakan, and Lumad
groups.
The design elements vary among these ethnic
groups, with the greatest refinement being found
among the Maranao.
11. Okir carving (Maranao wood panels / panolong)
Okir refers to the flowing, curvilinear designs
traditionally carved or painted by the Maranao
people of Mindanao. Often inspired by plant forms,
Okir motifs appear on wooden panels, furniture,
weapon hilts, and architectural features like the
panolong (ornamental beams) of the Maranao
royal house or torogan.
The intricate patterns not only beautify objects but
also signify social status, heritage, and Islamic
artistic influence. Traditionally carved from
hardwoods, the precision and symmetry in Okir
design require years of skill development.
12. Show, don’t just tell
Inabel / Abel Iloko textile (Ilocos)
Capiz shells, harvested from windowpane oysters found
in coastal areas of the Philippines, are thin, translucent,
and pearlescent. Historically used for windows before the
introduction of glass, Capiz shells are now crafted into
lamps, lanterns, trays, and jewelry.
The close-up reveals their natural shimmer, which
diffuses light softly, making them popular for ambient
lighting products. Processing involves cleaning,
flattening, and cutting shells before assembling them into
decorative patterns.
13. Show, don’t just tell
Capiz shell product (lamp or
decoration)
Inabel, or Abel Iloko, is a traditional woven cloth from the
Ilocos region of Northern Luzon, made from cotton and
woven on pedal looms.
Known for its durability and geometric or floral designs,
Inabel is both functional (blankets, table runners,
garments) and decorative.
The folded cloth close-up shows its tight weave and even
pattern repeats, a sign of skilled craftsmanship.
Historically, Inabel weaving sustained local economies,
with designs often passed down within families.
14. Rattan furniture
Rattan is a flexible yet sturdy climbing palm native to
Southeast Asia, widely used in Philippine furniture-
making.
Techniques such as steaming or soaking soften the
material before shaping, while weaving techniques are
used for seats and backrests. The combination of
durability and light weight makes rattan furniture a staple
in tropical home design.
Rattan’s appeal has surged internationally due to
sustainability trends and the popularity of natural
materials in interior design. Business students can study
rattan as a case of scalable craft production, where
local artisans can meet both mass and bespoke orders
without losing craftsmanship integrity. Branding can focus
on eco-friendly living and artisanal quality.
15. Coconut shell bowls / polished accessories
Coconut shell crafts make use of what is often
considered agricultural waste. Once the coconut
meat and water are extracted, the shell is cleaned,
polished, and sometimes carved into bowls,
ladles, buttons, and jewelry.
The polished finish highlights the natural grain
and texture of the shell, creating a rustic yet
elegant look. The process promotes zero-waste
principles, as every part of the coconut is utilized.
16. Marikina leather shoe close-up
Marikina is the country’s shoe capital, known for
its high-quality leather footwear. The close-up
image of a shoe being hand-stitched emphasizes
precision, durability, and material quality. Local
shoemakers take pride in crafting footwear that
rivals imported brands, often using genuine
cowhide or other quality leathers.
The Marikina industry blends machine efficiency
with manual skill in finishing touches, ensuring
comfort and longevity.
17. Market/street shot of craft stalls
Craft markets in the Philippines are vibrant
spaces where artisans sell directly to locals
and tourists. Stalls often showcase a mix of
indigenous crafts — textiles, carvings, shell
products, woven baskets — creating a
sensory experience through color, texture,
and even scent.
These markets are not just points of sale but
also cultural touchpoints, where buyers can
hear stories directly from the makers.
18. Synthesis
By clearly understanding what indigenous
crafts are and their dual role in culture and
economy, Business Administration students can
recognize how authenticity and heritage can
become market strengths in product branding and
development.