Basket making is a traditional craft in Barangay Batuan, Balasan, Iloilo. Craftsmen use locally sourced materials like bamboo, nito, and banban from nearby mountains and the process involves preparing materials, weaving and shaping baskets for practical uses, for storage and transport. Despite its cultural significance, basket making faces challenges such as competition from cheaper mass-produced goods, limitied government support, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental threats, which affect the availability of materials. The younger generation shows less interest in learning the craft, leading to concerns about its continuity. Efforts to preserve the craft include informal education, with older practitioners teaching the techniques to younger artisans. However, the future of this tradition depends on adapting to modern demands while maintaining its cultural relevance.
Photo Credit/s:
Ann Sherly Gurrobat, 2024
Mappers:
Ann Sherly H. Gurrobat
Tags:
artisan traditions, Balasan Iloilo, bamboo baskets, banban materials, , basket making, community craftsmanship, cultural adaptation, Cultural Preservation, environmental resource threats, heritage continuity, indigenous basketry, informal craft education, infrastructure challenges, intergenerational learning, local materials, mass production competition, nito weaving, Philippine folk crafts, practical handcraft, rural livelihoods, sustainable craft practices, traditional Filipino craft, traditional knowledge transmission, weaving techniques
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