Blaan – T’boli “T'nalak Dream Weaving” Culture: Ideology, Social mapping and Collective Conscience (Geertz) vs Native American Dream Interpretation and J Reyes on Filipino relational ethics
International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research July 6, 2026 DOI: 10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.83162 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Multidisciplinary cultural analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Dream Identity music Interpretation philosophy Ideology Conscience Ethnography Social consciousness Epistemology Anthropology Relational theory Social identity theory Social relation Gender studies Interpersonal ties Collective identity Social reality Collective unconscious Social theory |
| Key points | The Blaan-T'boli Dream Weaving tradition, where t'nalak designs are bestowed by divine spirits in dreams, provides identity and social cohesion through shared beliefs and rituals, and can be understood through Filipino concepts of Kapwa and Loob as well as Western sociological theories. |
Abstract
This is a multidisciplinary cultural analysis of the Blaan-T’boli Dream Weaving tradition in Mindanao, Philippines and compare the Filipino culture and ethics - such as Kapwa - shared identity and Loob – relational will (for which there are no equivalent words in English) - to Western sociological and anthropological theories: Geertz’s ideology as a cultural system and social mapping; Emile Durkheim’s collective consciousness; Sociology of Knowledge and Power. These theories provide a framework for the shared beliefs, sacred rituals, and mutual understanding involved in creating the t’nalak textile that provides identity and social cohesion, forming a social-moral and spiritual consciousness. T’nalak weavers are traditionally known as "Dreamweavers" where designs are believed to be bestowed by divine spirits (like Fu Dalu) in dreams. This paper also compares Native American dream frameworks that show Native American dreams are a source of divine inspiration. Lastly, I advocate social consciousness as an important approach to religion – comparing “way of life” to the “supernatural”.