Salinta Monon (December 12, 1920 – June 4, 2009) was a Filipino textile artist from the Tagabawa-Bagobo community in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, known as the “last Bagobo weaver.”
She learned traditional inabal abaca-ikat weaving from her mother at age 12 and devoted her life to perfecting intricate patterns like the binuwaya (crocodile).
Her works are valued for their quality, complexity, and cultural significance, used as wealth symbols and ritual offerings. In 1998, she received the Philippines’ National Living Treasures Award (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) for preserving this endangered art and helped teach young weavers in her community.
Salinta Monon’s notable works are her traditional Bagobo inabal abaca textiles, especially those with highly complex ikat designs. The most recognized include:
Traditional Inabal Abaca Clothes
are traditional Bagobo handwoven garments made from abaca fibers, featuring ikat designs and used for ceremonies and status symbols.
Binuwaya
a traditional Bagobo inabal textile design featuring a crocodile motif. It is the most complex and prestigious pattern, symbolizing power, protection, and high status, and was mastered by Salinta Monon.