Thursday, September 25, 2008

"Bai-a-Potri"

TITLE: BAI A POTRI
MEDIUM: MIXED-MEDIA SIZE: 3’X4’
TRADITION-INSPIRATION: the highest title ascribed to a lady, usually a wife of a raja or a ruling sultan. She is always accompanied by her retinue of maids and wears the badak-rice powder to protect her face and exposed skin against the sun. Raja Potri is another name or title given to the wife or consort of the reigning ruler or sultan.

This work also represents the women in the noble houses where they are ascribed the highest honor and special treatment. They are the model of the best of conduct, decorum and refinement expected of a lady of high breeding. However, women in Moro society are seen to be dominant with some degree of influence over the affairs of men. In fact, after their first marriage, they can already take many husbands at a time. There are also families that are matriarchal and women voices are dominant.