WHEN people hear of the Tbolis of South Cotabato, what first comes to mind is the famous Tnalak cloth which by now is used by different fashion designers to incorporate in their couture. The province is in fact celebrating Tnalak Festival every July of the year as a means to recognize the artistry of these dreamweavers.
However, only a few people know that aside from weavers, the Tboli has more innate skills such as brass casting (temwel) and beading. These products are widely available in Tboli but perhaps not as popular and widely-distributed as the tnalak cloth.
One of the few Tboli brass casters in the municipality is Kuya Joey Blunto. Representatives from the Ateneo de Davao University came to know him after they visited the place for a national project in partnership with the Department of Education wherein a culture-based curriculum is nurtured for a better IP education. Through this project, Karl Sandino R. Lozano, an anthropologist from the university was able to connect with Kuya Joey and the other brass casters of the community.
As with all the craft skills of the Tboli, brass casting entails unity and the participation of the entire community. It is in no way an individualistic effort. Every single step requires the skill and the expertise of each member of the community. Kuya Joel is among the so-called wisdom keepers or the masters of the craft. Still on his 30s, Kuya Joel is already considered a master of this indigenous knowledge having had started with brass casting as a little boy.
Sesotunawa was taken from the Tboli words “Soto” which means one and “Nawa” which means spirit or character. The word “Sesotu” actually means “to make one.” The entire message of Sesotunawa is the importance of the shared value taken when working together. It is in this message that the volunteers and the artisans would want people to realize that any task becomes lighter with the helping of one another.
Inspired by their story, Lozano tapped volunteer friends to help market and bring to the city the brass accessories created by Kuya Joel and the community.
Sesotunawa first showcased their rings during the Better Living Through Xexography (BLTX) December of 2017 at Suazo Bar where local artists also displayed their published crafts, drawings, and paintings.
Since then, a small circle of Dabawenyos with the love for the art and the stories behind them grew more and more interested with Sesotunawa’s brass rings and bracelets. As Sesotunawa grew and continued to provide livelihood for Kuya Joel, the Tboli beaders showed interest in joining Sesotunawa as well.
Now, they do not only offer rings and bracelets but as well as beautifully and uniquely-patterned earrings at very affordable prices.
More than the beauty and the intricate details of each craft, what interested the buyers of these accessories are the stories behind them. Each ring and bracelet undergoes a meticulous process that requires labor contributions from other members of the community.
To know more about Sesotunawa brass rings, bracelets, and earrings, visit their Facebook page Sesotunawa.