alusan
Alusan refers to a traditional Filipino woven textile, primarily produced by the indigenous T'boli people of South Cotabato in Mindanao. The most distinctive feature of alusan is its intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors, typically achieved through a complex backstrap loom weaving technique. The primary material used is abaca, a strong fiber derived from the banana plant, which is then dyed using natural materials.
The weaving process for alusan is time-consuming and labor-intensive, often passed down through generations of women.