Buri Bag / Buri Handbag

A buri bag is made from the fibers of the buri palm (Corypha elata), a large palm species that grows in the mountains of Mindoro. These bags resemble raffia products but are stronger, more durable, and have a beautiful natural sheen.

How Mangyan Women Make a Buri Bag

1. Collecting Buri Palm Leaves

Mangyan women harvest young, soft buri leaves. These lighter-colored leaves contain flexible fibers that are perfect for weaving.

2. Cutting the Strips & Drying

The leaves are cut into long, thin strips and sun-dried until they become firm yet still flexible. In some villages, the strips are boiled first to make them even stronger.

3. Bleaching or Dyeing (Optional)

The natural color is often preferred, but the strips can also be sun-bleached or dyed using natural plant-based pigments such as indigo, charcoal, or annatto.

4. Creating the Base

Just like with rattan bag making, the process begins with the base — usually square or rectangular — tightly woven in an over-and-under pattern. Because buri is softer than rattan, the work is faster but requires more precision to maintain an even pattern.

5. Weaving the Sides

The strips are folded upward to form the walls of the bag. New strips are added when others become too short. Everything is tightly pulled by hand — no tools needed. The weaving technique is similar to banig (mat) weaving but uses thicker fibers.

6. Finishing the Top Edge

The top edge is folded and securely stitched using buri thread. Sometimes a braided trim is added for extra durability.

7. Handles & Decoration

Handles may be made from braided buri cords, wooden or rattan rings, or fabric straps for a modern look.

Decoration is usually natural and minimalist: geometric Mangyan patterns, natural and brown color combinations, and sometimes beads — though most designs are kept very organic.

Why Buri Handicrafts Are Special

• Lightweight yet strong

• Made from 100% natural materials

• A traditional craft passed down through generations

• Handmade by Mangyan mothers, providing them with a sustainable source of income

It is also possible to have your own name or a short text added to the bag. Feel free to contact us — we are happy to think along with you!

Contact:
Rowena Zuidwijk
Stichting Ama Namin
WhatsApp: +31 6 51898773

With your purchase, you not only support our foundation and schools in Mindoro, the Philippines, but you also help families in need who rely on this income.

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