Prepare
Select and prepare plant material for the intended mat and weaving method.
BANIG · THE WEAVING PROCESS
How Philippine Banig Mats Are Woven
Explore the preparation, weaving, pattern and finishing of traditional woven mats.
Weave
Interlace prepared material to create the surface and, where relevant, the pattern.
Finish
Complete the edges and inspect the finished piece according to the maker’s method.
Weaving begins with preparation
A finished banig is the result of several stages of work. Before weaving, the maker chooses plant material that is suitable for the intended product. Local availability and the maker’s experience help determine that choice.
Philippine mat makers work with a range of materials. Pandan, buri palm and tikog are among the plants associated with woven mats and other woven products. Different materials require different handling.
The National Museum of the Philippines describes mat and basket weaving as work that involves selecting and preparing materials as well as understanding their properties.
Selecting and preparing plant material
Preparation can include cleaning and drying the material, cutting it into a useful width and making it flexible enough to work with. The sequence and tools depend on the plant and the tradition.
Some makers prepare strips in advance and store them until they are needed. Others may prepare material for a particular design. The condition and consistency of the material can affect how comfortably it can be woven.
Avoid assuming that every maker follows one fixed process. An explanation of a particular mat should identify the community and material whenever that information is known.
Colour and design
Colour can be used to create a contrast, outline a shape or build a repeating pattern. Some mats use the natural appearance of the material; others use coloured elements.
Design methods differ. A pattern may be made as part of the woven surface, or decorative details may be added through another technique. NCCA describes mat-making traditions in which methods vary between regions.
A design should be considered in the context of its maker and community. Similar-looking shapes do not necessarily mean that two mats have the same origin or were made with the same technique.
Interlacing the material
Weaving creates a surface by arranging and interlacing prepared material. The maker controls the placement of the strips and keeps the work consistent as the mat grows.
A closer look at a mat can show how the strips cross and how the surface is built. The width and arrangement of the material contribute to the appearance and feel of the finished piece.
The size and complexity of a mat influence the work involved. Rather than giving one fixed production time for every banig, ask the maker how a specific piece was made.
Finishing the edges
Once the main surface is complete, the maker finishes the edges. A neat edge helps form the final shape of the piece and can be an important part of its appearance.
Edge treatments differ. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts notes the fine edging and designs associated with the work of Haja Amina Appi, a mat-weaving culture bearer from Tawi-Tawi.
Understanding regional variation
Philippine mat weaving includes many local traditions. Basey in Samar is known for mat making, while Tawi-Tawi has its own mat-weaving knowledge and design traditions.
A useful account of a mat names the place, maker and material when those details have been confirmed. Regional descriptions should not erase differences between individual makers or communities.
Learning from makers
A maker can explain decisions that may not be visible in the finished product: where material was obtained, how it was prepared, why a pattern was chosen and how the mat should be used.
If you photograph, publish or sell a maker’s work, ask about permission and provide accurate credit. For a specific mat, record details supplied by the maker instead of guessing its origin.
Sources and further reading
WEAVING QUESTIONS
Banig Weaving FAQ
Common questions about preparation and weaving.
How is a banig mat made?
A maker prepares suitable plant material, weaves it into a surface and finishes the edges. The exact process depends on the material, design and local tradition.
Is every mat woven with the same technique?
No. Philippine communities use different materials and techniques. A maker can explain the method used for a particular mat.
When are colours added?
The timing depends on the tradition and technique. Some makers work with coloured material during weaving, while decorative details can also be added using other methods.
How long does it take to make a mat?
The time varies with the material, size, preparation, design and the maker’s working method. It is best to ask the maker about a specific piece.
What should I look at when examining a woven mat?
Look at the material, the arrangement of the strips, the pattern and the finished edges. Ask the maker for context rather than identifying the origin by appearance alone.
Where can I learn more about Philippine mat weaving?
The National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts provide useful background. Local makers and communities can explain the details of their own practices.