National Living Treasures: Darhata Sawabi

In Barangay Parang on the island of Jolo, Sulu, women weavers dedicate themselves to creating the pis syabit, a traditional Tausug head covering and decorative cloth. “This is our heritage,” the weavers say, “passed down from our mothers.” Among them is Darhata Sawabi, a master weaver who has devoted her life to this intricate craft.

In Parang, most families rely on subsistence farming, but it provides little income. For Darhata, who was raised solely for household chores and never married, weaving is her only source of livelihood. The pis syabit she weaves allows her to support herself, reducing her dependence on relatives. A single hand-woven square, measuring 39 by 40 inches, takes about three months to complete and earns her around ₱2,000. These squares are used as headpieces or to embellish traditional attire, bags, and accessories. Darhata’s exceptional skill, bold color choices, and adherence to traditional designs enable her to command higher prices, earning recognition from her community for her even weave and intricate patterns.

Weaving pis syabit is a demanding art. Preparing the warp alone takes three days, involving the meticulous threading of black and red yarns on a bamboo and banana frame. At 48, Darhata no longer has the strength for this task and hires local children or apprentices to do it for ₱300. The cost of materials, including multiple colored threads, adds to her expenses, making the craft both time-consuming and costly.

Darhata’s journey has not been without challenges. During the armed conflicts in Jolo in the 1970s, she and her family were forced to flee their home multiple times, leaving her loom and unfinished work behind. Returning to find her month-long project destroyed was heartbreaking, but she persevered, rebuilding her loom and starting over. Despite the turmoil, Darhata continued weaving, selling her pieces to those involved in the conflict and supporting her family. Her dedication has preserved traditional Tausug designs for future generations.

Today, Darhata weaves at home while teaching other women in her community. She has trained several apprentices, and her work has gained wider recognition. Her steady hands, keen eye for color, and commitment to quality remain unwavering. Darhata sees her role as vital to the community, ensuring the survival of pis syabit weaving by passing on her knowledge to younger generations. Some of her students have already become teachers themselves, a testament to her enduring legacy. Darhata looks forward to continuing her mission, sharing the art of pis syabit weaving with future generations.