COWHED: T’Boli Trade and Crafts
Posted by on July 26, 2010
When we were in Lake Sebu last week, one of the places I didn’t want to miss is the COWHED located at Tuko-Fol, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato Philippines. The house was designed similar to Gono Kem Bo-I, or the T’Boli Princess House.
COWHED stands for Cooperative of Women for Health and Development. It was establishd in 1995 and operates the T’Boli Trade and Crafts, a multi purposes cooperative among the T’boli women.
The T’boli tribe is known for T’nalak fabric. A hand-woven cloth made of abaca where its deisgn is interpreted from a dream. They are also known for their outstanding skills in beadworks and brassmaking.
When you go to COWHED you get to pick various pasalubong items that were made by the T’Boli themselves. There are authentic T’Boli costumes, the T’boli guitar, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, wallets, coin purse and a lot more. You may also buy T’nalak cloth here, but usually it is sold per roll. It is never cut per yard or meter. Read it here why.
I would encourage you to please visit the COWHED for your pasalubong needs. The friendly habal habal drivers in Lake Sebu knows where this place is located. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Punta Isla Lake Resort.
For inquires, you may contact them at: +63926.935.9153 or email them at tboli_tradecrafts@yahoo.com
