National Living Treasures: Estelita Bantilan

Estelita Tumndan Bantilan, known affectionately as Princess, is a 72-year-old master mat weaver from the Blaan community of Upper Lasang in Sarangani Province, Mindanao. Born as Labnai Tumndan in the montane hamlet of Mlasang, she grew up in a time when her people, the Blaan, were transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to more permanent village life. Her community, deeply connected to the mlasang tree, which blooms profusely once a year, has preserved its cultural traditions despite the changes brought by modernization and the influence of Protestant missionaries in the 1950s. It was during this time that Labnai adopted the name Estelita.

Estelita’s exceptional talent in mat weaving has earned her the nickname Princess among her peers, a term of endearment and respect. While other women in Upper Lasang are also skilled weavers, Estelita stands out for her dedication, precision, and the sheer beauty of her creations. Her husband, Tuwada, has been unusually supportive, allowing her to balance domestic and farming responsibilities with her craft. Unlike many weavers, Estelita has never commercialized her mats, instead gifting them to loved ones as tokens of affection. Her mats, some of the largest and most intricate in Southeast Asia, reflect a personal aesthetic refined over half a century.

The Art of Mat Weaving

Mat weaving is a physically and mentally demanding art form. Estelita’s entire body serves as her “loom.” She uses thin strips of pandanus romblon (Pandanus copelandii merr. Bariu), which she weaves with her hands while her toes grip and tension the strips. Her movements are precise and rhythmic, guided by an innate sense of design and mathematics. The process requires intense focus, hand-eye coordination, and a deep connection between mind and body. Estelita’s serene demeanor and poise are integral to her artistry, reflecting the harmony and concentration needed to create her masterpieces.

Cultural and Historical Context

Upper Lasang, a barangay in Malapatan, Sarangani, is a coastal community with a rich cultural heritage. The Blaan people, historically shifting agriculturists, have long engaged in trade with Maguindanao communities along the coast. Mats, along with other traditional items like ikat-dyed cloth, mother-of-pearl, and glass beads, were once central to these exchanges. While the socio-spiritual significance of mats has diminished in much of the Philippines, Estelita’s practice of gifting mats rather than selling them harks back to these ancient traditions of reciprocity and exchange.

A Community of Weavers

Estelita is part of a community of skilled weavers in Upper Lasang, many of whom have formed a legal association to manage their craft and market their products. However, Estelita’s work stands apart for its technical and aesthetic sophistication. Her mats are characterized by mathematical precision, visual restraint, and a deep connection to her cultural roots. The availability of raw materials like romblon and buri in the coastal environment has facilitated the persistence of mat weaving in Malapatan.

Legacy and Identity

Estelita’s artistry is deeply intertwined with her identity as a Blaan woman. Her mats are not just functional objects but expressions of cultural memory and personal creativity. The nickname Princess reflects her status as a cultural icon, yet Estelita remains humble and deeply connected to her community. She embodies the balance between individuality and collective identity, shining as a master artist while remaining grounded in the traditions and values of her people.

Through her dedication to mat weaving, Estelita Tumndan Bantilan preserves a vital aspect of Blaan heritage, ensuring that the art form continues to thrive for future generations. Her work is a testament to the enduring beauty and cultural significance of traditional crafts in the Philippines.