The T'boli women believe that the goddess of abaca, Fu Dalu, visits them in their dreams with gifts of patterns and designs for the abaca. The women weave these patterns from memory and mental image. The magical T'nalak is then born.
It usually takes months to finish this single, unique weave. The sanctity of the tradition is retained throughout the creation process. Some rules are observed. For instance, they are not allowed to step over the fabric. Weavers are instructed not to continue weaving when they are feeling ill. Some even practice abstinence to keep their creations pure.
It is important that we are made aware of the cultural importance of the T'nalak to the T'boli people, especially to the Dreamweavers who keep the authenticity of this spiritual tradition alive.
