Banig

A Banig is a handwoven mat usually used for sleeping. This type of mat is traditionally made in the Philippines.

Technically, it is not a textile. Depending on the region of the Philippines, the mat is made of buri (palm), pandan or sea grass leaves. The leaves are dried, usually dyed, then cut into strips and woven into mats, which may be plain or intricate.

The Samals of Sulu usually make their mats out of buri leaves. Often, dyed strips of buri are woven to produce a design.

Another region in the Philippines which is famous for intricately designed mats is Samar, where the mats are usually made of pandan leaves. The leaves are dyed green, then different colored buri strips are inserted into the plaits to make the design.