Materials Used in Philippine Banig Mats

A mat begins with its material

The material in a woven mat affects how it looks, feels and responds to everyday use. Before a maker begins weaving, they select and prepare plant material suited to their technique and intended design.

Across the Philippines, weavers work with different locally available plants. The National Museum of the Philippines identifies pandan, buri palm, tikog and other plant materials among those used in mats and baskets.

A material name is a starting point rather than a complete description of a finished mat. Preparation, colouring, the width of the strips and the way the edges are finished all influence the final piece.

Pandan leaves

Pandan is a name used for plants in the Pandanus group. Prepared pandan leaves are used in a number of Philippine weaving traditions. The appearance of a pandan mat depends on the plant, preparation method, colour and design.

In the mat-making traditions described by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, pandan leaves can go through several preparation steps before they are ready for weaving. The precise sequence varies between makers and communities.

Some makers use natural-coloured strips, while others introduce colour to create patterns. Ask about the dyes and finish when considering how to display or care for a particular mat.

Buri palm

Buri palm is another plant resource used in Philippine weaving. Its leaves can be prepared for woven work, but the handling and finishing depend on the product and the maker’s method.

When comparing mats, look at the surface, flexibility, edges and overall construction rather than assuming that a single material name describes every feature. A maker can explain how a particular piece was prepared.

Tikog sedge

Tikog is a local sedge used in Philippine mat making. Basey, Samar is one place associated with tikog mat weaving. Makers prepare the material for weaving and may incorporate colour and decorative work into finished products.

The character of a tikog piece depends on how its material is prepared and how the maker constructs the design. The weaving traditions of a place should be understood in their local context.

Preparing material before weaving

Plant material is not always ready to weave immediately after it is gathered. Depending on the plant and the method, a maker may clean and dry it, cut it into suitable widths or soften it so that it can be worked.

Some traditions include colouring the prepared material. Drying and handling methods can affect the way a finished mat looks. The best source for details about an individual piece is the maker.

Natural colour and dyed patterns

A mat may show the natural colour of its plant material, a combination of natural and dyed strips, or a more colourful design. Colour alone does not establish which plant was used or where the mat was made.

If you plan to display a coloured mat, ask how its dye responds to light and moisture. Avoid applying cleaning chemicals without knowing how they may affect the material and finish.

Questions to ask a maker

• Which plant or fibre was used?
• Where was the mat woven?
• Were the strips left natural or coloured?
• Is the mat intended for everyday use or display?
• How should the mat be cleaned and stored?

Care depends on the material

A general rule is to treat a woven mat gently and keep it dry before storage. However, individual fibres, dyes and finishes can have different needs. Avoid soaking a mat or using harsh cleaners unless the maker specifically recommends that treatment.

Sources and further reading

• National Museum of the Philippines — Mats and Baskets
• NCCA — Banig: The Art of Mat Making
• DENR — Tikog and mat weaving in Basey, Samar