How It Started
Darhata Sawabi
Darhata Sawabi was born on March 4, 1943 at the island of Jolo, Sulu province. Her community relies on farming for a living, however she was raised only to do household chores. Her only option to help her family was weaving. The money she earned from weaving made her self-sufficient and independent. She specialized in textile weaving, with Pis Syabit being her most skilled artform. Pis meaning geometric pattern and Syabit meaning hook and technique.
Trials and Tribulations
She also endured great hardship to keep her art alive. She and her family were forced to flee their homes due to the armed conflicts that plagued the area. When they returned, she found her months work to be destroyed by the fighting, yet she started again, a testament to her perseverance.
Accomplishment
Because of her art many Tausug designs have been preserved. She took on many apprentices, some of which are now teachers themselves. The NCCA awarded her the GAMABA in the year 2004 for her accomplishments and skill. She passed away on March 12, 2005, 1 year after receiving the GAMABA award.