Tnalak

T'nalak is a traditional handwoven textile of the T'boli people from the Lake Sebu region in southern Mindanao, Philippines. Also spelled Tinalak or T'nalak, it is regarded as a sacred cloth whose patterns are believed to be inspired by dreams granted to the community’s women, who are known as dream weavers.

The fabric is made from the fibers of the abaca plant (Musa textilis). The fibers are processed, spun into thread, and woven on a traditional backstrap loom. The natural color of the abaca produces an ivory to light brown cloth; darker tones may be achieved using natural plant dyes or pigment applications, though many examples remain predominantly ivory.

Patterns on t'nalak are geometric and abstract, often seen as reflective of the T'boli cosmos and environment. Each piece carries motifs that may be associated with kinship, status, or ritual meaning, and individual families or villages often maintain distinctive designs that help identify a woven piece's provenance.

Traditionally, t'nalak is used in important ceremonies such as weddings and rites of passage, and it may be worn by respected individuals or used as ceremonial coverings. The cloth also serves as a symbol of community identity and continuity within T'boli culture.

Today, t'nalak weaving is a living craft practiced in Lake Sebu and nearby areas, supported by artisan cooperatives and cultural programs. It remains an important cultural and economic activity for many T'boli, while efforts to safeguard the tradition address challenges from modernization and market forces.