What is Banig?
Banig is the Filipino term for handwoven mats made primarily from pandan leaves, used throughout the Philippine archipelago as sleeping mats, floor coverings, and multipurpose household items. Unlike the sacred textiles woven by specific ethnic groups, banig production occurs across the country, with each region developing its own distinctive styles and techniques.
The practical origins of banig weaving reflect the tropical Philippine climate. Woven mats remain cool to sleep on even in humid weather, providing natural ventilation that synthetic materials cannot match. Historically, pandan leaf mats were also used as sails for Filipino sailing vessels, taking advantage of the material's natural resistance to saltwater damage.
Materials and Preparation
The majority of banig mats are made from leaves of Pandanus plants, particularly Pandanus simplex (locally called karagumoy) and Pandanus tectorius (pandan or pangdan). The preparation process is labor-intensive and requires knowledge passed through generations:
Harvesting
Pandan leaves are harvested from plants that may grow wild or be cultivated specifically for mat weaving. Harvesters select mature leaves of appropriate length and width, cutting them carefully to allow the plant to continue producing. In Badian, Cebu, weavers harvest from mountain areas where the plants thrive in the humid forest understory.
Processing Steps
- Thorn removal: The sharp thorns along leaf edges must be carefully stripped
- Lilas (cutting): Leaves are sliced into thin uniform strips using a tool or skilled hand technique
- Hagod (conditioning): Strips are dried and conditioned to achieve consistent flexibility
- Optional dyeing: Strips may be colored using natural or commercial dyes to create patterns
- Storage: Prepared strips are kept at proper humidity until weaving
In some coastal communities, leaves are soaked in seawater before processing, which darkens the color and makes the finished mat more resistant to insect damage.
Regional Styles
Samar: Cave Weaving
The municipality of Basey in Samar is known for banig woven in Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park's limestone caves. The caves provide consistent humidity that keeps pandan strips pliable during weaving. Samar banig often feature intricate geometric patterns in multiple colors, and the tradition has earned recognition from the Department of Trade and Industry's One Town One Product program.
Cebu: Badian and Sta. Fe
Badian on Cebu's southwest coast maintains strong banig traditions, with master weavers like Shirley Sangcay teaching techniques passed through her family for generations. On Kinatarcan Island in Sta. Fe, the Hakilawa weavers association coordinates production from over 100 community members, using romblon plant leaves rather than pandan.
Tawi-Tawi: Sama-Bajau Tradition
The Sama-Bajau communities of Tawi-Tawi, traditionally maritime people, produce highly distinctive banig with bold geometric patterns in vibrant colors. These mats were featured at the 2024 National Arts and Crafts Fair, highlighting the unique aesthetic of this Muslim Filipino community's craft tradition.
Mindanao Variations
Among the Maranao and Maguindanao peoples around Lake Lanao, banig may be woven from sesed grass rather than pandan, and serve both as sleeping mats and surfaces for drying harvested rice. The Bukidnon-Tagoloanen create mats with designs woven directly into the structure, featuring diamonds, squares, and traditional geometric motifs.
Weaving Techniques
Banig weaving uses a basic over-under interlacing technique, but skilled weavers create remarkable variety through their material handling and pattern choices:
- Plain weave: Simple alternating pattern suitable for everyday mats
- Twill weave: Diagonal pattern created by offsetting the interlace points
- Pattern weaving: Complex designs created by varying colors and weave structure
- Supplementary techniques: Additional strips added to create raised patterns
Most weavers work on the ground or a low platform, sitting with legs extended as they interlace strips from two directions. A single mat measuring approximately 1 by 2 meters may take a full day to weave, with more complex designs requiring two or three days.
Buying and Caring for Banig
What to Look For
- Tight, even weave with no gaps or loose strips
- Consistent strip width throughout the mat
- Clean edges with secure finishing
- Natural flexibility without cracking when rolled
- For dyed mats, colors that appear even and intentional
Care Instructions
Proper care extends the life of handwoven banig significantly:
- Clean by wiping with a damp cloth, not soaking
- Dry completely in shade before storage to prevent mold
- Store rolled rather than folded to prevent permanent creases
- Keep in a dry location away from direct sunlight
- Air out periodically to prevent mustiness
Economic Importance
Banig weaving provides important supplementary income for rural communities, particularly women. The relatively low cost of materials (pandan plants often grow wild or require minimal cultivation) means that the craft remains accessible to families without capital to invest in other enterprises.
Community associations and cooperatives help weavers access wider markets and receive fair prices. The Department of Trade and Industry supports these efforts through programs like One Town One Product, which promotes local crafts nationally and internationally.
Where to Buy
Banig mats are widely available throughout the Philippines at varying quality and price points:
- Local markets: Town markets often have sections selling household goods including banig
- Craft fairs: Events like the National Arts and Crafts Fair feature quality pieces from recognized weaving communities
- Direct from weavers: Visiting production areas allows purchase directly from artisans
- DTI-certified outlets: Shops participating in government craft programs
