Indigenous Crafts

from Bamboos
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 INTRODUCTION

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 Introduction
• Bamboo, a versatile and sustainable material, has played a significant role in
the cultural heritage of the Philippines, particularly within indigenous
communities.
• It underlies so much of Philippine culture that it is part of many ceremonies,
traditions and beliefs.
• The bamboo culms has long been tapped as an inexpensive source of
housing materials, furniture, handicraft, banana props, fish pens and other
innumerable products.
Bamboo in the
Filipino Culture
 I. Bamboo in Folk Tales
• The Story of Malakas and Maganda

Out of instinct, Magaul pecked, and the

bamboo split into equal halves. A man
emerged from one of the halves, his name
was Malakas (meaning strong), from the other
half came Maganda (meaning beautiful). In
time, their children became numerous and
spread across the islands of the Philippines.
 II. Bamboo in Festivals
• Kawayan Festival in Alegria, Cebu

• It an annual celebration in Alegria to

celebrate the town's one main sources of
livelihood - bamboo.
• The contingents wear costumes that are
bamboo inspired designs or motifs. The
costumes portray aspects of the town’s
culture, history as well as their livelihood
that come from using bamboo materials.
 III. Bamboo in Folk Dances
Split and unsplit bamboo play a
significant role in Philippine folk
dances, such as "tinikling," "singkil,"
and "subli." These dances showcase
the rhythmic and graceful movements
of performers who skillfully navigate
and interact with bamboo poles,
symbolizing the rich cultural heritage
and artistic expression of the Filipino
people.
 IV. Bamboo in Folk Games
• During fiesta celebrations, the
game of "palo sebo" involves
climbing a greased bamboo pole to
reach a bag of prizes tied at the
top. Another game, "luksong
kawayan," utilizes bamboo poles
as hurdles for high jumping. These
games showcase the ingenuity and
cultural significance of bamboo in
Filipino traditions.
 V. Bamboo as Weapons
• Luthang is a Filipino traditional toy gun
made from a hollow cylindrical piece of
bamboo and a piston.
• The Bagakay is an ancient Filipino
weapon made of bamboo. It is a two
pointed wooden dart type of weapon
about ten inches in length thrown at an
enemy at close quarters and were
generally thrown five at a time increasing
the possibility of hitting the target.
 VI. Bamboo as Instruments
• Bamboo flutes are popular
bamboo instruments played by
blowing across the mouthpiece
and manipulating the finger
holes.
• The bamboo organ in Las
Piñas City, Philippines, is a rare
and historic instrument made
with bamboo pipes, showcasing
the unique sound of bamboo
in organ construction.
 VII. Bamboo as Furnitures
• In ancient times, furniture
was usually made of
bamboo. These include
"papag" (bed), "bangko"
(bench), and "aparador"
(cabinet)
 VIII. Bamboo as Utensils

• Bamboo kitchen utensils, such as

cutting boards, spatulas, spoons, and
steamers, are popular choices due to
their durability, eco-friendliness, and
natural resistance to moisture.
These utensils provide sustainable
and stylish alternatives for cooking,
serving, and food preparation in the
kitchen.
 IX. Bamboo for Soil and Water Conservation

• Check dams use woven

bamboo strips between
the pegs while bush or
stones are placed against
the dam’s upper side.
 X. Bamboo for Indigenous Crafts
• Bamboo is an essential component of
indigenous crafts, showcasing the
resourcefulness and cultural heritage of
indigenous communities. From woven
baskets and traditional housing to intricate
carvings and musical instruments, bamboo
serves as a versatile and sustainable
material, empowering artisans and
preserving indigenous traditions.
 XI. Bamboo as a Singer
• Francisco Gaudencio Lope Belardo
Mañalac, popularly known as Bamboo
Mañalac or simply by the mononym
Bamboo, is a Filipino-American
musician and singer-songwriter. He
began his career as vocalist and original
frontman of Rivermaya and later
fronted his own band, Bamboo. He
sang the popular song, ‘Tatsulok’ and
Hallelujah.
 BAMBOO AS A
MATERIAL
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 1. Rapid Growth and Sustainability
• One of the key advantages of bamboo is its rapid growth rate,
allowing for sustainable harvesting and replenishment. It can
reach maturity in just a few years, making it a highly renewable
resource compared to traditional timber. This rapid growth also
contributes to bamboo's strength, as it develops a dense and
durable structure.
 2. Strength and Versatility
• In terms of strength-to-weight ratio, bamboo rivals many
traditional materials. It is incredibly strong and flexible, making it
suitable for structural applications such as beams, columns, and
even scaffolding. Its natural resilience enables it to withstand
wind, earthquakes, and other forces, making it a reliable choice in
areas prone to natural disasters.
 3. Aesthetics and Eco-Friendliness

• Its natural grain patterns, textures, and colors add a touch of

warmth and elegance to various products. Whether used in
flooring, furniture, or crafts, bamboo brings a natural and eco-
friendly element to interior and exterior design.
 4. Eco-Friendly Alternative
• Furthermore, bamboo is an eco-friendly alternative to materials
such as plastic and metal. It has a low carbon footprint, as it
absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen than most
plants. Bamboo cultivation also requires minimal water and
pesticides, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally
friendly production process.
5. Easy to Work With and Diverse Applications
• In addition to its environmental benefits, bamboo is easy to work
with. It can be cut, shaped, and joined using simple tools, making
it accessible to craftsmen of various skill levels. Its versatility
allows for diverse applications, ranging from traditional crafts to
modern, innovative uses such as bamboo-based composites.
 More Relevant
Uses of Bamboo
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 1. Food
• Bamboo offers more than just its physical
properties; it can also be enjoyed as a culinary
ingredient. Bamboo shoots, the young and tender
sprouts of bamboo, are a popular addition to
various dishes. They can be used to prepare
flavorful broths, sliced and stir-fried with
vegetables, pickled bamboo, or even fermented.
Bamboo shoots are prized for their unique texture
and delicate flavor. In Filipino cuisine, bamboo
shoots are often boiled with coconut milk or used
in dishes that combine them with other vegetables
and ingredients, such as prawns.
 2. Medicine
• Bamboo has been utilized for its medicinal
properties in different cultures. In traditional
Chinese medicine, various parts of the
bamboo plant are used as healing materials to
treat infections and promote overall well-
being. The Chinese believe that bamboo
possesses natural antimicrobial properties,
making it effective in treating various types of
infections. In India, fermented bamboo paste
is used as a remedy for impotence, infertility,
and menstrual-related discomfort.
 3. Constructions
• Similar to wood, bamboo possesses high
strength-to-weight ratio properties that make
it suitable for various structural applications.
In many cultures, bamboo is used to construct
simple suspension bridges, providing safe
passage across rivers and ravines. Bamboo is
also commonly used as a primary material in
traditional Filipino houses known as "nipa
huts." Its split and woven form is used as wall
material, while whole bamboo poles can be
utilized for roofing. Additionally, bamboo is
employed in the construction of fencing,
fountains, grates, gutters, flooring, and even
cabinetry.
 4. Crafts and Artistry
• Bamboo is widely celebrated for its artistic
and decorative applications. Artisans utilize
bamboo's natural beauty and flexibility to
create intricate and visually stunning crafts.
Bamboo can be intricately carved,
showcasing detailed designs inspired by
nature, mythology, or cultural symbols.
Bamboo can also be woven into baskets,
mats, and other decorative items, adding a
touch of natural elegance to interior spaces.
The artistry and craftsmanship of bamboo
crafts contribute to the preservation of
cultural heritage while showcasing the
unique properties of this remarkable plant.
 EXAMPLES OF
INDIGENOUS
BAMBOO CRAFTS
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 I. Lakub
• It is a distinct art by the
Maranao in Lanao del Sur in
Southern Philippines. It is
usually used as a container for
tobacco or as decoration. It is
made from a section of
bamboo, cut after the node that
serves as its base.
 A step-by-step instruction on how to make
lakub, a traditional bamboo container:
• Materials needed: Bamboo poles, cutting tools, sunlight, decorative paper, cloth, dyes, banana leaves, string, boiling pot, glass
for polishing.

1. 1. Lunar Cycle Selection: Begin by selecting bamboo poles at the beginning of the lunar cycle. This timing ensures that the
sugar content of the bamboo sap is at its lowest, reducing the risk of insect infestation.
2. Cutting and Skinning: Use appropriate cutting tools to carefully cut the bamboo poles to the desired length for the lakub.
Once cut, remove the outer skin of the bamboo poles to expose the smooth inner surface.
3. Sun-Drying: Place the skinned bamboo poles in a dry and sunny location to sun-dry. Allow the poles to dry for several
weeks until they achieve a moisture-free state. This drying process helps enhance the durability and longevity of the lakub.
4. Decoration: Cut pieces of decorative paper into desired shapes and sizes. Wrap the paper around the bamboo poles,
securing them in place. Alternatively, you can use glue or adhesive to affix the decorative paper to the bamboo.
 A step-by-step instruction on how to make
lakub, a traditional bamboo container:
5. Dyeing: Dip strips of cloth into different dyes to create vibrant and colorful patterns on the lakub.
Wrap the dyed cloth around the bamboo poles, ensuring even coverage and securing the cloth in place.
6. Rolling and Tying: Wrap the bamboo poles with the decorated cloth in banana leaves, ensuring a
tight and secure bundle. Use string or twine to tie the bundle tightly, keeping the banana leaves and
cloth in place.
7. Boiling: Place the bundled lakub in a pot of boiling water. Allow the lakub to boil for a period of
time, typically until the bamboo is sufficiently cooked and the colors from the dyed cloth have
transferred onto the bamboo surface.
8. Unwrapping and Polishing: Carefully remove the wraps, including the banana leaves and cloth, from
the boiled lakub. The unwrapped lakub will reveal colorful patterns and designs on the bamboo
surface. Finally, polish the lakub with a piece of glass to enhance its shine and smoothness.
 2. Nigo
• The Nigo is a flat woven basket
traditionally used for winnowing
(“mag - ayag”, in Cebuano term) or
separating corn grits still contain
lots of hulls that feel grainy and
rough when cooked or eaten. It is
also used for winnowing rice and it
is made of bamboo skin strips
woven from the center to frames.
 3. Tiruray Basket
• The Tiruray basket is a traditional
indigenous craft created by the Tiruray
people of Mindanao, Philippines. These
baskets are skillfully woven from bamboo
strips using intricate patterns and techniques
passed down through generations. The
Tiruray baskets serve various purposes, such
as carrying and storing agricultural produce,
household items, and personal belongings,
reflecting the cultural heritage and
practicality of the Tiruray community.
 4. Bamboo Hat (Salakot)
• A salakot is a small straw hat made of
bamboo and leaves. It is a general term for
a range of related traditional headgear used
by virtually all ethnic groups of the
Philippines. It is usually dome-shaped or
cone-shaped, but various other styles also
exist, including versions with dome-shaped,
cone-shaped, or flat crowns with a flat or
gently sloping brim.
 5. Bamboo Mat
• These mats serve a variety of purposes,
including providing a comfortable and
clean surface for sleeping or sitting,
acting as decorative elements in homes,
and even serving as a practical flooring
option. Made from bamboo strips
intricately woven together, bamboo mats
exemplify the ingenuity and cultural
significance of indigenous crafts in the
Philippines.
 6. Bamboo Candleholder

• The bamboo candle holder is a decorative

and functional item crafted from bamboo.
It features a cylindrical shape with intricate
patterns or carvings on the exterior. The
bamboo candle holder provides a natural
and rustic ambiance, creating a warm and
cozy atmosphere when used with candles.
 ACTIVITY
NASAD
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 RULES AND MECHANICS

• The bamboo candle holder is a decorative and functional item crafted from
bamboo. It features a cylindrical shape with intricate patterns or carvings on the
exterior. The bamboo candle holder provides a natural and rustic ambiance,
creating a warm and cozy atmosphere when used with candles.
• The bamboo candle holder is a decorative
and functional item crafted from bamboo.
It features a cylindrical shape with intricate
patterns or carvings on the exterior. The
bamboo candle holder provides a natural
and rustic ambiance, creating a warm and
cozy atmosphere when used with candles.
• The bamboo candle holder is a decorative
and functional item crafted from bamboo.
It features a cylindrical shape with intricate
patterns or carvings on the exterior. The
bamboo candle holder provides a natural
and rustic ambiance, creating a warm and
cozy atmosphere when used with candles.
• The bamboo candle holder is a decorative
and functional item crafted from bamboo.
It features a cylindrical shape with intricate
patterns or carvings on the exterior. The
bamboo candle holder provides a natural
and rustic ambiance, creating a warm and
cozy atmosphere when used with candles.
• The bamboo candle holder is a decorative
and functional item crafted from bamboo.
It features a cylindrical shape with intricate
patterns or carvings on the exterior. The
bamboo candle holder provides a natural
and rustic ambiance, creating a warm and
cozy atmosphere when used with candles.
• The bamboo candle holder is a decorative
and functional item crafted from bamboo.
It features a cylindrical shape with intricate
patterns or carvings on the exterior. The
bamboo candle holder provides a natural
and rustic ambiance, creating a warm and
cozy atmosphere when used with candles.
• The bamboo candle holder is a decorative
and functional item crafted from bamboo.
It features a cylindrical shape with intricate
patterns or carvings on the exterior. The
bamboo candle holder provides a natural
and rustic ambiance, creating a warm and
cozy atmosphere when used with candles.
 References:
http://pjaranador.blogspot.com/2013/05/insensibilities-in-filipino-
bamboo.html
http://anythingaboutbamboo.blogspot.com/2010/11/philippine-national-
report-on-bamboo.html
https://encyclocraftsapr.com/bamboo-crafts/
https://www.travelingcebu.com/kawayan-festival.html