Weaving palm leaf is an ancient art form in many parts of the world. Different kinds of palm leaves have been utilized to make baskets, houses, dresses, headgear, boxes, toys, and playthings.
In the Philippines, the Filipinos could make a lot of things out of these humble palm leaves which we sometimes just take for granted .I found out through the years that there are so many forms that could be woven. From Batanes, Aparri, Abulug in the North up to Basilan in the South we can encounter many interesting woven forms and wonderful stories about them.
Several writers and compilers of old dictionaries and Spanish contact accounts share a common fascination and delight with this art form.
Fray Alcina in 1668 records the woven palm leaf puso (woven rice pouches) he found in Dagami, Samar.
Fray Juan Jose Delgado in 1751 records his fascination in weaving what he calls as the "Gordian knots" made of palm leaves he found in Guiguan, Samar.
Fray Mateo Sanchez in 1600's (published 1711) lists 14 types of puso also in Samar-Leyte.
Fray Alfonso de Mentrida in 1600's records seven types from Panay.
Weaving palm leaves has a very long and interesting history. Let us try to unearth these lost treasures of the Philippines and keep this vanishing art and culture alive.
Let us share our notes and pictures regarding the weaving of leaves of the different palm trees used in your area. The art form can be a temporary basket, mat, hat, decoartions for the church, town fiesta, arco, kubol, tuklong, wedding, woven food cover, boiled rice pouches for suman, puso, patopat, playthings like balls, sambador, ibon, manuk-manuk, bituon, siko-siko, tipaklong and what have you. Let us share the fun and joy of discovery. Also share some stories, legends, fables, sayings, riddles pertaining to the art. That will make it a lot more interesting.
