DARHATA SAWABI
Darhata Sawabi is a Tausug textile weaver originated from island of Jolo, Sulu province. She is one of those who has dedicated herself to the art of pis syabit creation. She was hailed as an expert in weaving colorful squares of cloth used for the pis syabit and for adornment of the native attire, bags, and accessories as well as in teaching the art to the younger generation. Her art was distinguished for its bold, contrasting colors, the evenness of the weave and faithfulness to traditional designs.
Darhata Sawabi received the National Living Treasures Award at year 2004, the following year Darhata died on March 12, 2005
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The families in her native Parang still depend on subsistence farming as their main source of income. But farming does not bring in enough money to support a family and is not even an option for someone like Darhata Sawabi who was raised from birth to do only household chores. She has never married. Thus, weaving is her only possible source of income. The money she earns from making the colorful squares of cloth has enabled her to become self-sufficient and less dependent on her nephews and nieces.
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Sawabi faces other challenges to her art as well. In the 1970s, when Jolo was torn apart by armed struggle, Sawabi and her family were often forced to abandon their home in search of safer habitats. The first time she was forced to abandon her weaving was very painful experience as it was impossible for her to bring the loom along with her to the forest where they sought refuge. They returned to their home to see the pis she had been working on for nearly a month destroyed by the fighting. There was nothing for her to do except pick up the pieces of her loom and start again.
Feldman's method of criticism
Description
Darhata Sawabi's pis syabit is a traditional Tausūg cloth worn as a head covering by the people of Jolo. It was woven using the tools that were available to their community such as bamboo and banana frames, only to be formed in a manner of combining dark and bright colors and harmonizing each color scheme to the likeness of the weavers.
Analysis
Sawabi's work was developed with unshakable attention and passion. Tausug children were exposed to weaving at a young age, but she chose to continue since it was her passion; she is one of those who carried the art of weaving to the next level. Her mastery and experience is evident, strokes are firm and sure, her color sensitivity is acute, and the quality is superb.
Interpretation
Her dedication to the pis syabit creation was superb, and with her remarkable proficiency with the art and intricacy of her designs, she was hailed as an expert in weaving that lead her to received an National Living Treasures Award at year 2004.
Judgement
Sawabi remains faithful to the art of pis syabit weaving. She recognizes the need for her to remain in the community and continue with her mission to teach the art of pis syabit weaving and share the tradition to the younger generations