“Ang Banig…” (The Handwoven Mat Made of Dried Leaves)

I’ve taken this macro shot of a “banig”, a mat which almost every home in the Philippines used to have.

Although most of us Filipinos now use mattresses and beds in air conditioned rooms even during hot Summer days, we still love to lie down on a “banig”. It’s size and weight makes it easily transportable and during a hot summer, sleeping on a “banig” while in a “bahay kubo” (a house made of dried leaves and bamboo stems) in the middle of a farm is a bliss! I haven’t tried sleeping in a “bahay kubo” lying on a “banig” but will definitely do it… The sooner the better! 🙂

“A Banig is a handwoven mat usually used in East Asia and Philippines for sleeping and sitting. This type of mat was traditionally made in the Philippines. Although has been more widely used too.”

“Technically, it is not a textile. Depending on the region of the Philippines, the mat is made of buri (palm), pandan or sea grass leaves. The leaves are dried, usually dyed, then cut into strips and woven into mats, which may be plain or intricate.”

Below is a picture of a “bahay kubo” in the middle of nowhere… 🙂

Source:

https://evsukraymarabut.wordpress.com/the-famous-banig-in-baseysamar/

http://kabyahe.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/the-majestic-banig-of-basey-samar/

http://tagalog1.com/Lesson_View.asp?Lesson_ID=16