Contemporary arts

1. Haja Amina
Appi
Born: June 25, 1925
Died: April 2, 2013
Nationality: Philippines
From: Bongao, Tawi-Tawi

2. Haja Amina Appi was a Filipino master mat weaver
and teacher from the Sama indigenous people of
Ungos Matata, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi. She was credited
for creating colorful pandan mats with complex
geometric patterns. Her creations were acclaimed for
their precise sense of design, proportion and
symmetry, and sensitivity to color.

4. She was respected and recognized for her artistry
even in her own community of weavers. There was
gentleness in her teaching of others.

5. She was given the National Living Treasures Award in
2004 by the Philippines through the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts