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)
Women's transportation basket to carry small loads of rice bundles and sweet potatoes. This basket was no longer being used and was just kept on a shelf under the outside extension of the ceiling of Mr Noe Chopen's house. Its bottom is damaged from use and age. Noe, who is an expert repairer did not get around to do the repairs on it. Damaged bottom renders it useless as transportation basket. Made from anes bamboo (Schizostachyum Lima); rattan reinforced handles. Hand-woven; rattan/cane bent using heat. Donated to CUMAA by Mrs Carolina Chopen Yawan (mother of Mrs Julia Bete and sister of Mr Noe Chopen). A. Labrador states, 'I decided that CUMAA should have this to make up the three women's transportation basket(s) that most married women seem to own'. Bibliographic references: Lane, Robert; Philippine Basketry, Bookmark, Manila, 1986. Jenks, A.; The Bontoc Igorot, Bureau of Printing, Manilla, 1905. In Jenk's (1905) book, a Bontok woman is seen carrying on her ?head (word partly missing) a big load of sweet potatoes in a tayaan, underneath is a Luwa to help balance the load. Other photographs are of women taking down pots that are tied on luwas. Women still carry loads on their heads, while men carry them on shoulders. The male counterpart is called the khimata. According to Jenks (1905: 121-123), the luwa was only made in Samoki.
Event Date 1/7/1998
Author: maa