Weaving color into culture

　　Historically, the Sama mat was plain white in color, but she began experimenting with dye to achieve her desired effect. As commercial dyes are often not bold or striking enough for her taste, she mixes them to obtain vibrant reds, purples and yellows, sometimes using up to eight colors at a time.

　　In order to preserve this tradition for future generations, Haja Appi teaches young women in her community the art of Tepo, a skill traditionally passed from mother to daughter.

　　Her deep knowledge of both the technique of paghahablon, as well as her lifelong efforts to preserve this important Filipino tradition, has earned her a special place as one of the nation's culture bearers. Her work is available for public view in the collection of the National Museum of the Philippines.