LAng DUlay
Born: August 3, 1928
Died: April 30, 2015 (aged 86)
Nationality: Filipino
Known for: T'nalak weaving
Style: Traditional T'boli design
Awards: Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan
Born on August 3, 1928, Lang Dulay was a T'boli princess from the Lake Sebu region in South Cotabato. She first learnt weaving at the age of 12 from her mother, Luan Senig.
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She is known for maintaining the use of traditional motifs in T'nalak weaving amidst commercialization of the craft which saw the introduction of more modern designs by non-T'bolis. She notably had a mental repertoire of around 100 patterns and designs: some of these were based on her dreams, hence her description as a "dreamweaver".
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Lang Dulay set up the Manlilikha ng Bayan Center workshop in her hometown to promote the traditional art of T'nalak weaving and by 2014, five of her grandchildren had become weavers.
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Lang Dulay fell into a coma in early 2015 and died on April 30 of the same year.
Lang Dulay is a celebrated T’boli weaver known for her intricate T’nalak cloth, made from fine abaca fibers and infused with the history of the T’boli people of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
She received the National Living Treasure (Manlilikha ng Bayan) Award in 1998 from President Fidel V. Ramos for her role in preserving T’boli culture.
Lang Dulay began weaving at 12 years old, taught by her mother, Luan Senig. She now teaches her granddaughters and students.
Lang Dulay, a celebrated T'boli weaver from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, was recognized as a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardee in 1998, earning the title of National Living Treasure. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Philippines' intangible cultural heritage. Lang Dulay was honored for her mastery of the traditional T'nalak weaving, an ancient art form that uses fine abaca fibers to create intricate patterns that reflect the T'boli people's beliefs, dreams, and way of life.
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Her work stood out for its extraordinary detail and deep cultural significance, preserving traditional designs such as the "bulinglangit" (clouds), "kabangi" (butterfly), and "bankiring" (hair bangs). Lang Dulay not only excelled in her craft but also dedicated herself to teaching younger generations of T'boli weavers, ensuring that the art of T'nalak weaving continues to thrive. Through her lifelong commitment, Lang Dulay's recognition as a GAMABA awardee solidified her place as a key figure in preserving Filipino cultural heritage, ensuring that this vital aspect of indigenous artistry remains alive for future generations.