Quick Facts

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Darhata Sawabi, a Gawad ng Manlilikha ng Bayan (GaMaBa) awardee, has lived a long and fruitful life with many experiences. Scroll down to learn the "must-knows" about her story.

What are Daharta Sawabi's achievements?

Daharta Sawabi is a skilled Tausug weaver from Sulu, known for her expertise in weaving the traditional Pis syabit head covering. She learned this craft from her mother and now teaches it to younger generations. Unmarried, she relies on weaving as her sole source of income, as farming is not viable for her. Despite facing challenges like forced relocations during conflict, she remains dedicated to her craft and the community.

Oriel, J. (April 8, 2022). "Darhata Sawabi." Presentation via Prezi.
Del Rosario, K. (Aug 18, 2020). "Handwoven face masks made from pis syabit is a multi-color protective gear." Getaway.PH.

How committed is Darhata Sawabi to her style of weaving?

Sawabi remains faithful to the art of Pis syabit weaving. Her strokes are firm and sure, her color awareness is keen, and her commitment to product quality is constant. She understands the importance of staying in the community and continuing her mission to teach the technique of pis syabit weaving. She had, after all, been teaching Parang's young women how to make a living from their woven materials. Some of her students are already educators. She is excited to pass on the legacy of Pis syabit weaving to future generations.

Tobias, M. (n.d.). "Darhata Sawabi." Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.

Pestano, T. (Apr 29, 2023). "Tausug Pis Syabit Philippine Ethnic Statement Shawl/Scarf Textile." Etsy.

How did Darhata Sawabi grow up?

Darhata Sawabi was raised from birth to do only housework. Weaving is her only possible source of income. Instead, she hires one of the neighboring children or apprentice weavers to do it for 300 pesos. During the 1970s, when Jolo was torn apart by armed conflict, Sawabi and her family were frequently forced to flee their home in search of safer habitats.

Corpuz, C., et al. (2022/2023). "Gamaba Awardee." University of Baguio via Studocu.

Sorilla, F. (May 10, 2017). "Weaving the Threads of Filipino Heritage." Tatler Asia.

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Citations

Corpuz, C., et al. (AY 2022/2023). "Gamaba Awardee." University of Baguio via Studocu.
Oriel, J. (Apr 8, 2022). "Darhata Sawabi." Presentation via Prezi.
Tobias, M. (n.d.). "Darhata Sawabi." Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.

Del Rosario, K. (Aug 18, 2020). "Handwoven face masks made from pis syabit is a multi-color protective gear." Getaway.PH.
Pestano, T. (Apr 29, 2023). "Tausug Pis Syabit Philippine Ethnic Statement Shawl/Scarf Textile." Etsy.
Sorilla, F. (May 10, 2017). "Weaving the Threads of Filipino Heritage." Tatler Asia.