Group #6 - T'boli

• Who are the T’boli?

  An indigenous group from South Cotabato
• What is notable about the T’boli's artistic traditions?

  They have a rich connection to nature
• Where are the T’boli primarily located?

  Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
• What is the population size of the T’boli compared to the Manobo?

  Smaller than the Manobo
• What language do the T’boli speak?

  Tboli language
• What language family does the Tboli language belong to?

  Austronesian family
• Which other languages do many T’boli also speak?

  Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Filipino
• What are the main livelihoods of the T’boli?

  • Farming: rice, corn, root crops, vegetables
  • Hunting and fishing: wild animals and fish
  • Gathering: forest products and medicinal plants
  • Weaving and crafts: t’nalak, beadwork, brass casting
• What is the main agricultural practice of the T’boli?

  Swidden agriculture and settled farming
• What role does freshwater fishing play in T’boli life?

  It is significant for daily sustenance
• What is t’nalak weaving known for?

  Being a source of income and cultural identity
• What is the traditional belief system of the T’boli?

  Animism, focusing on nature spirits
• Who is Fu Dalu in T’boli beliefs?

  The spirit giving dreams to women weavers
• What is the significance of dream weaving in T’boli culture?

  It guides the designs of t’nalak cloth
• What is the role of a Bailan?

  Ritual specialist and mediator with spirits
• What types of rituals do the T’boli perform?

  • Planting and harvest rituals
  • Healing ceremonies
  • Life-cycle events
  • Often involve animal sacrifice and offerings
• What is T’nalak cloth known for?

  Being sacred and handwoven by women
• How is weaving viewed in T’boli culture?

  As a spiritual duty with cultural meaning
• What do T’boli women wear traditionally?

  Colorful garments with beadwork and embroidery
• What adornments do T’boli men wear?

  Embroidered jackets and trousers
• What are the traditional ornaments worn by the T’boli?

  • Brass bells
  • Necklaces and bracelets
  • Anklets and headdresses
  • Worn during rituals and festivities
• What instruments are used in T’boli music and dance?

  Agong, hegalong, and kubing
• How is T’boli heritage preserved?

  • Through oral tradition: myths, chants, epics
  • Cultural practices: rituals and festivals
  • T’nalak weaving and music promotion
• What is the social structure of the T’boli based on?

  Family and clan ties
• Who is the Datu?

  The tribal leader of the T’boli
• What is the role of the Council of Elders?

  Help in decision-making and tradition maintenance
• What are the marriage customs of the T’boli?

  Often arranged with dowry and rituals
• What challenges do the T’boli face today?

  • Displacement from ancestral lands
  • Marginalization and poverty
  • Loss of tradition among youth
  • Cultural preservation efforts
• What threats contribute to the displacement of the T’boli?

  Deforestation, land grabbing, agricultural expansion
• How does marginalization affect T’boli communities?

  Limited access to health and education
• What is being done to preserve T’boli culture?

  Promotion of T’nalak weaving and music
• What festival promotes T’boli culture?

  T’nalak Festival in South Cotabato