The Island of Pre-Islamic Rituals and Traditional Practices in Tawi-Tawi.

Showcasing the photos taken by Quiambao in the island of Tabawan, Tawi-Tawi in 2019 and 2020, the “Tabawan: The Island of Pre-Islamic Rituals and Traditional Practices in Tawi-Tawi” Photo Exhibition highlights the blend of indigenous traditions and Islamic beliefs as practiced by the Sama-Tabawan in their seven rituals from paggunting, pagtubas, pagkawin, pai baha’u, pagduwata, pagjamu bohe’ deya, to pagkambo’an. These rituals are interconnected and experienced from cradle to the grave, marking the passage of life for the Sama-Tabawan.

The exhibit begins with an overview and introduction on Tabawan Island and its inhabitants, followed by seven sections that feature a ritual each. These contents provide a glimpse of the worldview and cosmological beliefs of the Sama-Tabawan that influence their rich culture and heritage as Muslim Filipinos. Highlighting the balance between nature and the spiritual realm, the remembrance of ancestors, and the importance of thanksgiving and strong kinship ties, among others, the traditions captured in the photos emphasize how the Sama-Tabawan inculcate into their consciousness respect and peaceful co-existence among and between communities.

The “Tabawan: The Island of Pre-Islamic Rituals and Traditional Practices in Tawi-Tawi” Photo Exhibition is showcased at the Reception Room, 4F, National Museum of Anthropology from 16 May 2021 until 2 January 2022.

The Tabawan Gallery is a gallery located within the National Museum of Anthropology in the Philippines that is dedicated to showcasing the culture and traditions of the Tabawan Island in Tawi-Tawi. The gallery specifically highlights the pre-Islamic rituals and traditional practices that are still observed on the island, providing insights into the unique cultural heritage of the Tabawan community.

The gallery features a collection of artifacts, handicrafts, and artworks that reflect the cultural practices and beliefs of the Tabawan people, such as their traditional clothing, musical instruments, and ritual objects. The Tabawan Gallery is an important part of the National Museum of Anthropology as it promotes awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity and heritage of the Philippines, particularly of the unique traditions and practices of the Tabawan community in Tawi-Tawi.