In celebration of National Arts Month, the Philippine Consulate General in New York is pleased to share Strong and Lustrous, an online exhibition by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Museo ng Kaalamang Katutubo (MusKKat), highlighting the beauty and significance of abaca.
Since pre-Hispanic times, abaca fibers—sourced from Musa textilis, a non-edible banana native to the Philippines—have been hand-loomed into textiles. Despite being called Manila hemp, abaca is not a hemp but the world’s strongest natural fiber. Its strength and versatility have sustained its use for centuries, deeply woven into Filipino dress, economy, and way of life.
Discover the enduring legacy of abaca through MusKKat’s showcase of its many roles in Filipino culture and heritage. Access the exhibition by scanning the QR code or visiting: bit.ly/StrongAndLustrous.