Bariw nga Banig
Category: Significant Movable Heritage
District of Nabas
Contents
Background Information
Type: Traditional Craftsmanship
Geographical Location and Range of the Element:
Barangay Laserna previously called Sitio Cumalascas is known in the production of mat commonly called “Banig” in vernacular. The long elongated and matured leaves of “BARIW” plant are separated from mother shrub in order to remove its spine. The groups of barbs besides each leaf are detached in order to safely hold and fix the “Bariw” leaf necessary for various processing methods like drying, pounding, rolling and slicing until the material becomes smooth enough to puff out, the basic procedure for weaving purposes. This is the ancient and centennial primary source of living among Nabasnon, the reason why they can support the primary needs of their family members.
This plant grows in the hinter land of Nabas commonly located beside riverbanks and timber land areas. Nearby barangays are also engaging in this type of business in order to have a source of living for the family. This type of handicrafts was done long time ago and this was passed down from generation to generation up to the present time.
Description of Movable Cultural Heritage
Summary of the Element
Mat Weaving is an ancient history in Nabas specifically in barangay Laserna. This practice is often practiced by folks to meet the primary needs at home and earn a living in order to send their children in school. Even the small children are taught how to weave this material into mats, hats, baskets, bags, costumes and gowns.
Bariw Festival is one of the well-known extraordinary events which is celebrated annually in Nabas and exhibit during Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival in the province of Aklan. This festival posters the collective identity of Nabasnon, the way of living, its culture and beliefs and the abundance it leads from generation to generation.
Bariw is made into innumerable designs to exhibit the culture of Nabasnon and to show the novelty of the people of Nabas. This enumerates the character traits, values and aspirations of every Nabasnon that lingers in the hearts and minds of every individual in the society.
Nabasnon believes that the material from Bariw alleviates the economic stability of the community for it is not only used in daily activities, but it is also valued as an important material for fashion, displays and exhibits to poster the heritage of our common identity as Aklanons.
Banig made of Bariw is an ancient business methodology used by IPs community at Barangay Laserna. In ancient time, it is used in barter with other commodities needed for daily consumption. But today it is the main source of entrepreneur for a lot of businessmen engaged in banig commodities for exportation. In addition, it served as souvenirs purchased by tourist who visits distinct cold springs found in place.
Laserna Integrated is an IPEd school that aims to include the living tradition of our IPs learners in our Class Program in order to enhance the pupils' skills and creativity in making handicrafts. This will lead them to a more engaging activities in school leading to solve the problem on absenteeism and drop-out.
As a newly approved Senior High School Program with offerings on TVL Strands which focused on Agri-Crop Production and Organic Crop Production last June 2, 2022, Laserna Integrated School is planning to add handicrafts in TVL in order to enhance the skills of our students in weaving leading to income generating project that will suffice a better future among our IPs learners.
Culture-Bearer/s and Practitioner/s of the Element
The mat made of Bariw is the identity of Nabasnon IPs community. They used their products in transmitting their beliefs and aspirations in life. It is a tangible heritage associated with their life practices. Banig is used as primary mattress in sleeping, working, playing and outing. It is also used as ply in drying crops, linens, clothes, and other fabric materials at home. To make the areas unique and natural looking, banig is used in home decor, wall cover, ceiling and materials in table settings and arrangements.
Mode of transmission
Traditions and practices have translated and transferred from generation to generation.
List of Significant Movable Heritage Used/Associated with the Element
| Name of Object | Photo | Year Produced or Estimated Age | Dimensions | Material | Use of the Object in the Practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banig (Mat) | 
|
Started Centuries ago | Crib- 27 1/4 wide x 51 5/8 length Single- 92 x 188 cm |
Bariw | mats, hats, baskets, bags, costumes and gowns |
List of Significant Flora/Fauna Used/Associated with the Element
| Name of Flora/Fauna | Photo | Use of the Flora/Fauna in the Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Bariw | 
|
Important material in making mats, decors, bags, hats, fabric, gowns, covers, etc. |
Stories/Narratives Associated with the Element
The production of the Banig made of Bariw has beautiful and successful stories to tell among Nabasnon, especially among Lasernanons for it is the main reason why a lot of professionals were identified in the community. Some of them are now regular teachers at Laserna Integrated School and they continuously transfer the cognitive skills and creativity in doing the finished material.
Children in later years where television, cellphones and other gadgets were not available they stayed at home during weekends in order to work on mats to be disposed every Thursday of the week for this the scheduled market day at Nabas public market.
Unity and family bonding are observed among family members for they are working together to produce more products to be sold on market day. This situation resulted to a wholesome community relations and social delinquency and problems were lessened.
Responsible children are developed by means of Banig production for every child in the family of IPs and Lasernanons are trained to weave the material to have a valuable finished product. The outputs will be sold to the market in order for them to have baon and allowance during school days.
Significance
Barangay Laserna is rich in tales pertaining to its livelihood, lifestyle, customs and traditions. People depend on vegetables, fruit bearing trees and root crops in order to survive. Due to uncontrolled whether condition and calamities visited the place, the crop withered and destroyed that resulted to poor and limited harvest. This situation affects the family of the inhabitants in the community that limits staple food in the table, the very reason why weaving of mats was discovered and translated from generation to generation.
As the years goes by, the progression in mat manufacturing evolves and mats were turned to beautiful fabrics, decors, gowns, mattress, covers and important materials in table setting.
Beautiful fabrics and gowns are now used in fashion shows, festivities and other occasions. The Bariw- Banig material becomes well known in different localities and the passion of using the material evolves throughout the country that made the locality popular and distinct to the rest of the other municipalities.
Assessment of Practice
Condition/Status of Practice
Constraints/Threats/Issues/Challenges
Measures and Description of Safeguarding Measures Taken
References
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: Photographs and sketches
| KEY INFORMANTS: | MARVIN M. CASIDSID |
| NAME OF PROFILER/MAPPER: | ROSALIE F. DELA TORRE |
| LANGUAGE EDITOR: | ANJHIELYN MAE C. CAHILIG |
| LAYOUT ARTIST: | SALVIE MARIE A. FUENTES |
| CONTENT EVALUATOR: | JOSEPHINE P. VICENTE DENNIS E. BONTOGON |
| WIKI EDITOR: | LEZELDA R. LIBERATO |
| APPROVED: | RUBY AGNES B. ESTRADA, PhD Education Program Supervisor |
| DATE PROFILED: | June 23, 2023 |
