A WEAVE OF HERITAGE

A Weave of Heritage BY JESUSA MAE SUMAOANG

We have received a heritage of craftsmanship, of aesthetics, of taste, of identity. Our brands have the beauty to preserve and perpetuate it. - Antoine Arnault The word “tradition,” originates from a Latin word that means to transmit or to transfer to the succeeding generation, or to entrust for preservation. Traditions are vital in shaping someone’s identity, for many believe that this tradition serves as a guide, and it makes us who we are. But as society progresses, most traditions are in danger of being erased or forgotten, and modernity is slowly taking over. Fortunately, there are still people who are trying their best to keep these traditions alive, and make sure that the future generations will still inherit them. In his entry for the Abrenian Heritage Film Festival 2021, entitled “Panaglaga”, Sir Melver Ritz Gomez, a mentor from the College of Arts and Sciences of Mariano Marcos State University, featured the Tingguian women of Brgy. Uguis in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte. In the documentary film, Sir Melver showcased how Tingguian women weave small baskets that were lined with black strips of bamboo. Basket weaving in Nueva Era is revered as a lost skill. According to the weavers that were portrayed in the film, basket weaving is easy once you know how the process is done. They said that the ones who already know how to do it will guide you with the step by step process of it. One of the weavers also mentioned that she got envious of the women elders who know how to weave baskets, so that made her ask them to teach her of the handicraft. The first step in weaving these baskets, is of course shaving the bolo or the bamboo that is used as the primary material for the baskets, to make sure that they would leave no gaps once you weave them together. After shaving, the bolo would now be made into strips, and make it a fine one. The weavers shared that once they were done weaving, they would learn the whole process, including tying the rim, until it becomes a finished craft. Another mentioned that she used to watch the elder women of the community while they were weaving, and she tried imitating them, until she learned how to do the said craft. For the weavers, basket weaving helps them a lot, especially because they are living a simple life, and weaving is also a source of income for them. The baskets from Uguis have a noticeable design with black color. The weavers revealed that it is because the color black doesn’t fade easily, no matter how many times you wash it. The excess bamboo is shaved into strips,

and is used to smoke the bamboo strips used in weaving, that’s why it doesn’t fade that easily. It was proven by the weavers that it is better than using paint, as paint can be removed easily, while the smoked strips of bamboo have a natural dark color. One of the problems encountered by the weavers is when there is no one available to gather the raw materials they will use for weaving, since the males of the community are also busy with their jobs, and the source of the materials is a bit far. One of the materials mentioned is the dag dag or rattan, which is the material used for tying. Another is the bamboo used for shaping, and all those materials can only be obtained from the mountains. For the weavers, the craft of weaving benefited them a lot. Some of the benefits mentioned were, these baskets can be barter or to trade them with rice and money, which then be used to purchase their necessities. The weavers expressed their sentiment for the new generation to try and learn the said craft, although they think that it might be difficult for them to do so, since there are now different jobs that are available. And most of these youths are no longer interested in the craft. They also expressed that life in Uguis was difficult, so the elder women learned how to weave as a source of income for them to be able to buy their needs and help support their family. The weavers’ only wish now, is for the new generation to learn the craft of basket weaving, in order for the said tradition to not to be forgotten. They expressed that this craft was a treasure that was gifted to them by their ancestors, and they always tell that to their children. Coincidentally, there is a similar tradition of basket weaving in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. One is called baki, a small type of basket that is made for hens for them to lay and hatch their eggs. In the town’s folklore, this basket was said to be the origin of the town’s name. They are usually being sold during the feast of the town that is being celebrated in November. Another type of basket that’s being weaved in Bacarra, is called kuribot. It’s a native basket weaved from bamboo in various sizes that comes with a handle on one side, and is usually carried over the shoulder. It’s an all-purpose and heavy duty basket that is used by farmers to carry their harvests or weeds to feed to their goats, cows, carabaos, or sheeps. Other than that, it can also be used as a storage for anything, and even as a waste basket. There’s one that’s called alat. It’s a cylindrical basket that was made from closely woven bamboo strips, and has a funnel-shaped cover called serreg. It is often used as a container for shell or fish catch, and is tied to a person’s waist with a string. Another, is called balingato. It’s a trap made of bamboo strips, and is used to catch freshwater crabs and shrimps. Our traditions are a legacy that our past left us. It is something that shapes who we are, a brand that hopefully can be passed down and preserved by the generations to come.