* Okir: This is a traditional Maranao art form that is characterized by intricate geometric patterns. It is often applied to wood, brass, and other materials and is found on everything from furniture and weapons to textiles and jewelry.
* A: This is a preposition meaning "of" or "belonging to".
* Datu: This refers to a noble or chieftain in Maranao society.
Therefore, "okir a datu" can be understood as "the okir of a datu" or "okir that is a datu's".
The phrase carries a deeper meaning:
* High-quality craftsmanship: Okir made for a datu would typically be of the highest quality, using the finest materials and most skilled artisans.
* Status and power: The okir was not just decorative, it was a symbol of the datu's status, power, and lineage.
* Pride and tradition: The phrase embodies Maranao pride in their cultural heritage and the skill of their artists.
While you might hear the phrase used in a variety of contexts, its core meaning speaks to the importance of okir in Maranao culture and the distinct value of items created for the ruling class.