Subanen Crafts Projects
For decades the Columbans have worked with the tribal Subanen people of Mindanao in the Philippines. Since the 1950s the Subanen homeland in the rainforest has seen an influx of settlers from the lowlands. Loggers followed by land hungry farmers have exploited the forest. The shy Subanen retreated deeper into the dwindling forest where they face a precarious future. Since the 1980s Columbans have worked with the Subanen and have developed a deep respect for their traditions, culture and language. This respect has resulted in the Subanen Crafts Project which aims to generate income especially for the women.
Subanen artisans create intricately woven crafts and bead work. In the Project this skill was combined with their deep bond with their habitat. Since 2000, the Subanen women have produced exquisite Creation mandalas, mobiles and earrings. Each circular hoop in the mandala represents an event in the story of creation. The mandala is accompanied by a booklet which explains each symbol and provides a prayer to the Spirit.
Money from the sale of these goods is returned directly to the artists who created them. This income has allowed some of the younger women to return to formal education and finish high school, while others have been enabled to educate their children for a brighter future. But the benefits of the Project go beyond what money can buy. The praise of all who see the detailed workmanship has raised the self-esteem of the weavers and their families.
"Many thanks to you. I have received the mandala and it is all you said. I was moved to tears by its beauty and as I contemplated the plight of these beautiful people who have been so marginalised. It is a lesson to all of us that they have preserved their personal beauty and dignity.
Thank you again to Fr Busch and the Columbans for bringing all these issues to us in The Far East."
- Maureen Connolly, Paynesville, Victoria.
The Subanen crafts featured in this article can be purchased through the Columban Mission Centre. All proceeds from these orders go directly to the Subanen Crafts Project.
Subanen Crafts project products
Creation Mandala
The Creation Mandala is a circle of beaded images that honour events in the story of Creation. The booklet comes free with every mandala. It explains each of the images in the Creation Mandala.
Creation Mandala with illustrated booklet:
Large (44 cm diameter) - $80 (plus postage)
Medium (25cm diameter) - $55 (plus postage)
Small (16 cm diameter) - $40 (plus postage)
Creation Necklaces
Mandala necklaces feature the beaded images used in the small creation mandala. These images are about 4cm in diameter. Each necklace celebrates an event in the unfolding story of creation. Necklaces are sold individually or in sets of eight.
Set of 8 necklaces - $45 (plus postage)
Thankyou Cards
Hand made thankyou cards in a range of designs, with a Scripture passage that celebrates creation: Blank Interior for your own personalized message.
Individual Cards - $2.00 each
Set of Ten - $20.00
Creation Sun Catcher
These beautiful beaded circlets catch and reflect the sun and tell the
story of creation. What a delightful gift! Buy a set and have a small
gift for 8 people.
Individual - $7.00
Set of Eight - $45.00
