Inabanga's Longest Woven Raffia

Inabanga is a municipality in the province of Bohol, Philippines. Livelihood in the area is mainly trading, fishing, farming and nipa thatch-making. Others are into weaving of saguran, mats, blankets, hats, bags and basket using materials such as 'buli' or raffia. This town's century-old raffia weaving tradition takes center stage in this article from Inquirer Visayas.


Bohol town targets ‘longest’ handwoven raffia
By Kit Bagaipo, Chito A. Fuentes, 5/25/09 Inquirer Visayas

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol—To gain recognition for its century-old raffia weaving tradition, the town of Inabanga, once the cradle of the Philippines’ longest revolt against the Spaniards, will soon roll out the longest handwoven raffia and secure its claim as the home of highly skilled and artistic raffia weavers.

Locally known as “buli,” raffia weaving was introduced to Inabanga in the early 1800s during the time of the revolutionary Francisco Dagohoy. The woven fabrics were then used as sleeping mats and guerrilla uniforms.

On May 19, Inabanga launched its bid for the world’s longest continuous woven raffia fabric—a project that costs P300,000. The completion of the 1.6-kilometer product is expected by June 29, a day before its annual feast, Mayor Jose Jono Jumamoy said.

Read the full article.