VIRTUAL ART MUSEUM

LANG DULAY

GAMABA ARTIST

GAMABA

Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Award, also known as The National Living Treasures Award bestowed to artists recognized by the Government of the Philippines for their contributions to the country’s intangible cultural heritage.

The GAMABA was institutionalized in April 1992 through the Republic Act. No. 7355. The implementation of the GAMABA was given to the National Commission for Culture and Arts, which is the highest policy-making and coordination body of the Philippines for culture and the arts.

Lang Dulay

GAMABA ARTIST

Is a beloved national living treasure in the Philippines, was born in August 03, 1928 in the T'boli community of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Renowned for her extraordinary skills in T'boli weaving, she dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of her indigenous people.

Lang Dulay's mastery of the intricate T'boli beadwork and t'nalak weaving techniques made her a cultural icon. Her artistry in creating traditional T'boli attire and accessories was nothing short of remarkable. She was not only a weaver but also a keeper of ancient T'boli stories and traditions.

Sadly, Lang Dulay passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shine brightly.

Sadly, Lang Dulay passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shine brightly. Her dedication to her craft and her people's heritage remains an enduring testament to the importance of preserving indigenous traditions in the Philippines.

ARTWORK

Lang Dulay is familiar with hundreds of designs, such as the kabangi (butterfly), bankiring (hair bangs), and bulinglangit (clouds). Each of them has unique tales to share. She spins her tales gracefully using the colors red and black. Her creations are a reflection of the T'boli Tribe's knowledge and vision.

Lang Dulay first learned how to weave when she was 12 years old from her mother, Luan Senig.

She was awarded by the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA), a “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)” Award in 1998. During the same year, her works were featured in an exhibit at Smithsonian Institution in Washington,

DC. Lang Dulay was also given the moniker of “The Dreamweaver” because of how she developed and mastered the now famous and beautiful T’nalak Cloth of South Cotabato’s T’boli Tribe.

LANG DULAY GAMABA WORK AWARDEE: T’NALAK WEAVER

Lang Dulay’s works as a t’nalak weaver is said to to be acknowledged by the GAMABA Awards for its contribution in preserving her tribes identity and history through her weaved t’nalak cloths that are made with very intricate designs or pattern which represents a part of her tribe’s story.