Context (CMS Context)
This was collected by Ana Labrador during the period August 1996 to July 1997, whilst she was doing fieldwork in the Bontoc region of the Philippines as part of the PhD. course at the University of Cambridge. Above information taken from notes made by Ana Labrador. See notes in archives.
Was displayed in Maudslay Gallery as part of the MPhil student exhibition, "Rice and Bontoc Identity - Representations of Choice", arranged by Jimena Perry and Elizabeth Scoggins. See display panels in archives.
Event Date 1/7/1998
Author: maa

Description (CMS Description)
A transportation basket comprising woven bamboo strips, rattan rim and pine strengthening slats at base and sides reinforced with iron nails. Used to carry rice bundles, sweet potatoes and cooking and eating utensils for the field. These are also used as containers to hold dried beans, pounded/milled rice and fruits and vegetables sold in the market. Labfa baskets are usually larger than this specimen, without the pinewood and iron nails reinforcement found at the base. A. Labrador states, 'Not the best weaving I have seen of labfas. This basket is slightly asymmetrical'. Made from anes bamboo strips (Schizostachyum Lima). Hand-woven. Purchased from Mrs Julia Bete on the 30 June 1997 for 150 pesos (£3.48). Made by Lakay Kapuyen (80+ years old) from Sagada, May 1997. Lab-fa or Labfa is from the Ilocos Region. Probably brought to Bontoc through trade with itinerant vendors. Bibliographic references: Lane, Robert, Philippine Basketry, Bookmark, Manila, 1986.
Event Date 1/7/1998
Author: maa