Romblon Mat
The island of Romblon has a unique tradition of mat making notable for its highly delicate lace-like edges. These mats from the buri palm are used traditionally as the liner for the wedding dance performed by the newly married couple. During the dance, the couple's respective relatives vie with each other on who can throw more coins to the couple or pin paper money on their clothes. The dance stops as soon as the money throwing is finished.
The doily-like mats are not ordinarily used. Aside from the wedding dance it is only used when one has very important guests.
In Bolonao, Pangasinan the same buri material is used for mat making; a double-layered mat with one side using a plaid colored design while the reverse is kept plain.
In the Bohol area, another species of palm that has a thicker leaf is used for mat making. The Bicolanos call it karagamoy. It comes in two shades: the natural straw color and a deep brown shade achieved by soaking the material for a number of days in sea water which makes it impervious to insect attacks.
Read more about this topic: Banig, Mats of The Philippines
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