The diverse cultures of the Philippine islands are exemplified by these traditional baskets that are formed by ethnic groups from all over the island. These baskets are strong as they are beautiful . These prized Philippine baskets continue to increase in value as both craftsmen and natural materials become harder to find.
Basketry plays an indispensable role in practically all aspects of Igorot life. It is, in fact, one of the most common ubiquitous crafts of the Cordillera. There are baskets to cradle the newborn infant, vessels for daily and ritual use, and containers for human remains. Plaited winnowing trays, carrying baskets, and covered containers facilitate the harvesting, transporting, storing, and serving of grains, tubers and legumes for nourishment and survival. Basketry hats and rain capes protect against sun and rain. Twined and plaited traps and sieves help in catching fish, shellfish, and insect foods. Assorted basketry bags and pouches carry personal items, such as betel-chewing supplies or tobacco-related paraphernalia, packed lunches and snacks and potent amulets. As Philippines basketry specialist Robert Lane notes, baskets can be fully understood only by studying the purpose for which they were made, for their function informs the logic of their structure.
Cordillera baskets range in form and size from small carrying pouches to large trays and jar-like vessels. They are almost always made of bamboo, rattan, or a combination of the two. The most common used material is a vine like bamboo called "anes", which is distinguished from the upright, treelike bamboo. The most frequently utilized constructive technique is plaiting, although twining and coiling are also used. The average Igorot household normally requires at least one large winnowing tray and a variety of smaller, jar-shaped or box-shaped vessels to store food. (Basketry of the Luzon Cordillera, Philippines)
Basketry plays an indispensable role in practically all aspects of Igorot life. It is, in fact, one of the most common ubiquitous crafts of the Cordillera. There are baskets to cradle the newborn infant, vessels for daily and ritual use, and containers for human remains. Plaited winnowing trays, carrying baskets, and covered containers facilitate the harvesting, transporting, storing, and serving of grains, tubers and legumes for nourishment and survival. Basketry hats and rain capes protect against sun and rain. Twined and plaited traps and sieves help in catching fish, shellfish, and insect foods. Assorted basketry bags and pouches carry personal items, such as betel-chewing supplies or tobacco-related paraphernalia, packed lunches and snacks and potent amulets. As Philippines basketry specialist Robert Lane notes, baskets can be fully understood only by studying the purpose for which they were made, for their function informs the logic of their structure.
Cordillera baskets range in form and size from small carrying pouches to large trays and jar-like vessels. They are almost always made of bamboo, rattan, or a combination of the two. The most common used material is a vine like bamboo called "anes", which is distinguished from the upright, treelike bamboo. The most frequently utilized constructive technique is plaiting, although twining and coiling are also used. The average Igorot household normally requires at least one large winnowing tray and a variety of smaller, jar-shaped or box-shaped vessels to store food. (Basketry of the Luzon Cordillera, Philippines)
