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.

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