This is nice. But if we strictly follow the rules, the siyabit (knitted fabric) should not be worn below the waist. Traditionally, it has its own place around the body, which is from head to waist only. Hopefully, people will understand the siyabit’s significance and symbolism according to the adat (custom) of the Tau Sug as Muslims. Also, the siyabit was not traditionally worn by women. It was only for men. It symbolizes the Tau Sug gagandilan's (warrior's) martabbat (honor) and identity. Thus, it is culturally and customarily intertwined with the narratives about the lives, deaths, and obligations of these gagandilans. The siyabit fabric is usually tied around the heads or waists of gagandilans to hold their barung and kalis (bladed weapons) during fights. It is also draped around the left shoulder of Tau Sug men during special occasions and during religious sermons given by Imams in mosques. Over time, Tau Sug women have come to wear the siyabit as habul (tubes), long dresses, headgears, and veils, but with no exposure of certain body parts. Women wearing it can still be accepted as long as they follow limitations.
In the above picture, what may be "inappropriate" is the use of the fabric as material for an off-shoulder gown. This is in contrast with Tau Sug customs and traditions. This is not the proper way of wearing the siyabit, which should be worn according to what is right as Tau Sug and as Muslims. Is it wrong? Let’s ask ourselves. The Tau Sug are neither anti-development nor are they anti-commercialization of the fabric. But customs should be respected and carefully followed when using it.
PS. Traditionally, if the siyabit is shaped like a square, it is called a pis. If shaped as a rectangle, it is called a kandit. What I’m pointing out in this post is not the pis, but the siyabit. As with the dress, I don't know. It is just a tight, off-shoulder gown made from the siyabit fabric. It is a Tau Sug fabric. In terms of cultural identity of the fabric, Tau Sug comes first before the term taken from the Spanish King that came into being (as mentioned by Ms. Catriona Gray).
In the above picture, what may be "inappropriate" is the use of the fabric as material for an off-shoulder gown. This is in contrast with Tau Sug customs and traditions. This is not the proper way of wearing the siyabit, which should be worn according to what is right as Tau Sug and as Muslims. Is it wrong? Let’s ask ourselves. The Tau Sug are neither anti-development nor are they anti-commercialization of the fabric. But customs should be respected and carefully followed when using it.
PS. Traditionally, if the siyabit is shaped like a square, it is called a pis. If shaped as a rectangle, it is called a kandit. What I’m pointing out in this post is not the pis, but the siyabit. As with the dress, I don't know. It is just a tight, off-shoulder gown made from the siyabit fabric. It is a Tau Sug fabric. In terms of cultural identity of the fabric, Tau Sug comes first before the term taken from the Spanish King that came into being (as mentioned by Ms. Catriona Gray).
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