KAMBUT Sash/Tausug/Sama Population
WOVEN HERITAGE
The kambut is a long, handsomely woven sash primarily used by Tausug men. The term “kambut” and “kandit” may be used interchangeably. It is typically large-scale in size and has a foreign look. The intricate motifs on this cloth are similar to those on their head cloth (pis syabit). It is meticulously crafted with small rhombuses, parallelograms, lozenges, and serrations, creating a vibrant and colorful display. Kambut is originally a protective girdle for Sulu warriors. It can hold the scabbard of bladed weapons like the barung or kalis, or a betel-nut container. It is also wrapped around the waist to secure skin-tight trousers worn by men during ceremonies. Ideally, it is custom-made to match their head cloth. Like the pis syabit, the kambut is also woven using the tapestry weave technique. While it is a traditional accessory for Tausug men, some believed it originated from the Yakan kandit.