Amburukay Wall Hanging

A hand-embroidered tapestry made in collaboration with Regine Ann of the Suludnon (Panay Bukidnon), an indigenous community from the mountainous Capiz–Lumbanao region of Panay. The piece is embroidered in Panubok, a traditional style carrying symbolic motifs drawn from nature and the Sugidanon (Epics of Panay), a body of chanted narratives central to Suludnon cultural life.

 

Embroidered on beautifully aged, hand-loomed abaca, this is one-of-a-kind and will not be reproduced. Measures approximately 28″ × 36″ and took 3-4 weeks to complete. As with handwoven, hand-embroidered textiles, this piece has natural undulations and does not sit perfectly flat.

 

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Amburukay, a muwa or enchanted hermit woman, raises two children, Matan-ayon and Surangga-on, keeping them hidden as binukots (well-kept maidens). She makes a sacred vow (tuos) that whoever obtains a strand of her golden pubic hair must marry her, though she secretly intends to give her adopted daughters to the man if he proves worthy.

When Buyong Labaw Donggon’s heirloom bidya (guitar) breaks, his spirit guide, Taghoy, tells him that only Amburukay’s golden pubic hair can replace it. Using magic, he succeeds in getting it and becomes bound by the vow to marry her. On the wedding day, Amburukay reveals her true intention: it is Matan-ayon and Surangga-on who stand as the brides.

Reference:
“Amburukay,” Sugidanon Epics of Panay, Book 2 (Caballero & Caballero; Magos).

 

*Ships out after December 27 due to high seasonal volumes