Materials, Functions and Weaving Patterns of Philippine Indigenous Baskets

Abstract

Baskets serve as a national icon for Filipinos signifying agricultural and cultural relevance. It has been used as containers and traditional bags of the Filipino farmers for its products or a status symbol of the women amongst different indigenous groups. This paper discusses and analyses different materials, functions, weaving patterns and cultural relevance of the different baskets in the Philippines. Further, this paper presents a comparative analysis on the forms, style, usage and economic relevance of the different indigenous baskets. It is noteworthy that these baskets transcend cultural identity and information among indigenous Filipinos. The common raw materials used in making baskets are rattan, abaca, nito, tikog, buri, bamboo, pandan, coconut leaves and sticks, palm leaves, and beeswax. There are several baskets that use combined raw materials. The usage and function of the baskets depends on the form, style and the raw materials used as well as the indigenous group on which it originates. The several functions can be clustered into carrying agricultural products, storage, ritual use, food and paraphernalia containers, and auxiliary household functions. The weaving patterns depend to the raw materials used, design and style of the indigenous groups and function of the basket. The common weaving patterns utilized were checker weave, twill weave, wicker weave, twine weave and coiled weaves.