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Yakan: The Island’s Best Weavers

Posted on December 20, 2006

The Yakan tribe is said to be the descendants of the Orang Dampuan ethnic group occupying the Malay lands. In the Philippines, the Yakan are settled in the lands of Zamboanga and Basilan. Unlike the Badjao, the Yakans are landbound. They usually cultivate rice, corn and other crops. Aside from farming, the Yakan are also known for their hand-woven cloths. Their handiwork are much sought-after because of its beautiful pattern, color, and the quality of their work. Some women even admitted that they can weave beautiful fabrics without followng a specific pattern or design. These are usually much more expensive that the regular cloth.

Their work is usually made into a coin purse, table cloth, place mat, table runner, coaster, or just a wall decor.

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