The Hinabol of the Higaonon of Impasung-on Bukidnon

The Higaonon are thought to be the first inhabitants of Cagayan de Oro even before the arrival of the Spaniards. Their name stands for “people of the living mountain,”and they are a peace-loving group who have settled and survived in the forest. The influx of Visayans in the region pushed them toward the Bukidnon highlands. Today, several communities can be found in Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental.


One fundamental element among the tribe is their traditional fabric called Hinabol or, literally, “woven.” It is a woven hemp with colorful stripes and distinctive patterns, also known as the “cloth of peace.” It can be used to negotiate tribal conflicts or as a dowry for weddings. Hinabol is a weaver’s expression of her feelings, as colors and patterns will be picked according to the latter’s mood. Hinabol made by the wife of the Datu are considered sacred and are used for offerings.
As more and more migrants arrived in the region, the Higaonons gradually lost their means of livelihood, and several others have moved to find alternative sources of sustenance. In recent years, their ancestral land have been abused by illegal loggers, pushing some deeper into the mountains and others into the city. They have suffered discrimination and have been forbidden to legally preserve their ancestral domain.
Reference: http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/

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