Banig | Traditional Mat

 

A traditional handwoven mat of the Philippines predominantly used as a sleeping mat or a floor mat. Depending on the region of the Philippines, the mat is made of buri (palm), pandanus or reed leaves. The leaves are dried, usually dyed, then cut into strips and woven into mats, which may be plain or intricate.

Aside from it being used for sleeping and sitting, are as floor mat and for packing tobacco for exportation as well as for drying copra under the sun. In the more modern era, the mat itself can be made into different shapes to serve other purposes. Filipinos innovatively make products out of banig weavings such as wall hanging decors, bags, hat, slippers, tissue holders, and more.