This type of mat was traditionally made in the Philippines.

The traditional art of mat weaving continues to flourish in this old town whose name has become synonymous with woven sleeping mat, or

“banig.”

Banig is a handwoven mat usually used for sleeping. Technically, it is not a textile. Depending on the region of the Philippines,

the mat is made of palm (buri), pandan or sea grass leaves. The leaves are dried, usually dyed, then cut into strips and then

woven into mats which could be plain or intricate. Above is a fine example of a buri mat woven by the Samals of Sulu - in this

case, dyed strips of buri are woven to produce the design. Another region in the Philippines which is famous for intricately

designed mats is Samar where the mats are usually made of pandan leaves dyed green, then different colored buri strips are

inserted into the plaits to make the design.

And the practice of this ancient art, which has been handed down from one generation to the next, recently took a new turn as demand

 for the product increases.This is because use of the banig has expanded. Where once the age-old mat was used solely for sleeping, it now adorns modern walls or ceiling panels. It has been turned into bags, throw pillows, framed decors, as well as place mats and

furniture matting.

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