Mystic Nymph: Maranao Okir Art

I'll let you in a little revelation about my favorite usernames in my virtual sites. First is about my Mikimoto Angel pen name. Mikimoto is a famous brand of pearl accessories in America. I first saw that brand in Vogue Magazine. I got mesmerized by that label, and I thought of using it. I just added Angel from my name "Angela". Thus, the formation of Mikimoto Angel.

For my other pen name Mystic Nymph, the word mystic really came from the show Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog. I used to be so hooked to that show. I am also obsessed with mythologies, and nymphs are mythical creatures depicted as beautiful young women who are considered as guardians of objects and places in nature. Thus, the evolution of Mystic Nymph.

Showing posts with label Maranao Okir Art. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Abstract Maranao Okir Art

I have been so stressed for the past weeks’ academic binge. I lacked some shut eye, which resulted to constant headaches. And now that school’s over, I’m slowly getting back what I had deprived myself of – slumber… and of course, blogging. Teehee. I’m still not supposed to do this, but I really feel the need to take some time off. After the scholastic breakdown I had last week, I imposed myself an unwritten rule that I shouldn’t blog until such time that my thesis is far from over. I honestly feel that I’m nearly done, so let me take a breather just this once.

Enough said.

I got to let out my artistic side again because of our Filipino 21 (Philippine Folklore) subject. We were asked to create something that can popularize our country’s ethnic art as our final project. I chose the Maranao Okir Art, because it’s very popular. This art is known for its exuberance and vitality. It also crosses different forms. The Maranao is one of the thirteen tribes of Muslim in the Philippines. It is the subject of researchers’ interest most of the time, thus making them the most studied tribe in the country. As far as I know, it is the most extravagant Muslim tribe.

Since I have been suffering from cognitive overload lately, I couldn’t think of an original okir art. I apologize, because I just copied what I found in the web. I only used pastel crayons and illustration board. No pun intended. I just didn’t have enough resources and time to exert my utmost effort in crafting my own design. If given another chance, I will definitely do my best to show you my own interpretation of the said art. Spoken like a real beauty queen, eh? Anyhow, below is an abstract okir art made by a student from Mindanao State University (MSU).