Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar, Philippines
Web: http://uep.edu.ph; Email: [email protected]

__________________________________________________________________________________

INDIGENOUS CREATIVE CRAFTS

(FIBER CRAFT)

Prepared by:
(Group 2)

Balanquit, Kristine
Lobos, Vivian
Malobago, Rosemarie
Pantua, Mariel
Pelito, Kenneth
Yaon, Antoinette

Submitted to:

MARK STEVEN MENDOZA

Subject Instructor
 FIBER CRAFT

Fiber Craft in the Philippines

Fiber craft involves using fibers like thread, yarn, and other textile materials to
make useful or ornamental objects found in our natural resources and environment.
In our country, the art of fiber crafting has a long history, as skilled craftspeople use
materials found in the local area to create detailed woven objects such as baskets,
mats, and textiles, and that the tradition goes across generations and highlights our
country's deep cultural legacy. Currently, there is a growing interest in fiber crafts
making, both within the country and abroad, with the Visayas and some areas in
Mindanao being the primary sources of these handmade products. Yet, despite
advancements in the industry, obstacles like obtaining raw materials and competing
with mass-produced items remain. However, communities, are coming through in this
regard with strengths by combining old ways and new ideas to create preservation
of the craft.

Fiber craft can be divided into two main types including natural fibers and
synthetic fibers.

a) Natural fibers Natural fibers such as abaca, cotton, and bamboo are used
in natural fiber crafts, making them eco-friendly and sustainable. Additionally, these
fibers are gathered and transformed into threads before being crafted into a range
of products through weaving or knitting.
 b) Man-made or synthetic fiber, on the other hand, include fibers such as
polyester, nylon or acrylic material. These are produced artificially and are most
probably cheaper though they mimic the actual natural textures of the fibers. Finally,
it is necessary to state that even if synthetic fibers have some benefits such as durability
and versatility, they are disadvantageous in Environmental technical issues like
decomposition and sustainability. By all these differences, the crafts of natural as well
as synthetic fibers are highly demanded by people within various markets and uses.

SOURCES OF NATURAL FIBERS

Natural fibers are collected from different sources in our country and form an
integral part of our nation's rich heritage in textiles. These are mainly three categories:
vegetable fibers, animal fibers, and mineral fibers, each characterizing unique
properties as well as applications.

Figure 2: Three (3) sources of natural fibers: Vegetable, animal, and mineral fibers.

1. VEGETABLE FIBERS

Vegetable fibers are natural fibers derived from plants and they are one of the
most common types of natural fibers used in textiles, paper, and other products. These
fibers can be extracted from various parts of the plant. Additionally, vegetable fibers
are categorized into following types:
a) Seed fiber is another category, generally derived from plant seeds, that also
has well-known illustrations like cotton fibre, which is obtained from cotton plant
seeds. Apart from that, cotton is sometimes considered to be one of the main
types of seed fibre globally as well as for versatile and elastic applications in
garments, often in various parts of the world.

b) Leaf Fiber is referred to natural fibers extracted from some leaves of plants, and
this finds application in traditional handicrafts and textiles besides numerous
other industrial applications. Some of the popular leaf fiber sources found in our
country are the abaca, also known as Manila hemp; pandan; buri; and
pineapple leaves. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations, our country is the world's major producer of abaca, accounting
for 87.5% of demand worldwide for strong fiber used in ropes and other textiles.

c) Bast, or skin fiber, comes from the inner bark or skin of plants like jute, flax, and
ramie. Ramie fiber has been grown in our country, given its strength and
resistance to serve both the local fabric industry and for export. Such fibers are
being applied in bag production, household fabrics, and other related
products.

d) Fruit fibers include coconut coir, a fiber of the coconut husk, considered one
of the most important fruit fibers in our country. Moreover, it is used in making
rope, mats, brushes, and so much more. In our country, as one of the highest
coconut producers worldwide, using the coconut does not only give
economic value but also helps to establish sustainability for our own good in
terms of waste from coconut processing.

e) Stalk fibers are obtained from stalked plants—examples being from sugarcane
to hemp—and have recently been put to use in various textile applications as
they are strong and flexible.
 2. ANIMAL FIBERS

Animal fibers in the Philippines are less common than vegetable fibers. But
some indigenous communities have the tradition of using the animal fibers for clothing
and other things. Animal fibers also have several types, mainly:

a) Animal hair, like wool from sheep or alpaca, which is warm and soft and is
commonly used for clothes and blankets.
b) Silks from the cocoons spun by silkworms are considered luscious, lightweight,
and very expensive for the creation of delicate fabrics.
c) Avian fibers, or simply feathers from birds, are less frequently used in textiles but
have been applied to such uses as feathered gowns and other decorations
and traditional clothing.

3. MINERAL FIBERS

Mineral fibers are inorganic materials, and they can be used as fiber. However,
not very commonly used, utilization of vegetable or animal fibers in the Philippines;
some types of mineral fibers may be found in specific areas or even applied for very
specialized use. Lastly, mineral fibers are classified into types mainly:

a) Asbestos. There are two types of asbestos: serpentine, also known as chrysotile,
and amphiboles, which comprise amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite,
and anthophyllite. Due to health risks, usage has been heavily limited.
b) Ceramic fibers, made from silica and alumina, are used in high-temperature
insulation or industrial processes.
c) Metal fibers are prepared from metal materials like aluminum or steel. They are
used in dedicated applications where durability and conductivity are needed.

OTHER USEFUL PLANT FIBERS

While cotton and flax are some of the most popular plant fibers, there are many
other equally important fibers based upon different plants with special properties and
uses.
1. Coir (Coconut Fiber)

Coir is a natural fiber extracted from coconut husks. This versatile fiber lies
between the hard internal shell and the outer coat of the coconut. In the husk of a
coconut, three key components have been identified: bristle fibers, pith, and coir. In
line with this, the coir attracts particular attention because of its strength and water
resistance, making ideal products such as ropes, mats, brushes, or even soil
conditioning. Two of the methods applied to derive coconut fiber include the
following:

Soaking method: They soaked the coconut husks in water for sometimes months,
till the fibers could loosen and the beaten husk again separated the coir from the
rest of the husk.

Mechanical method: involves the breaking of husks using machines to produce

recovery of the fiber. Being faster and more efficient compared to soaking, this
method allows production on a large scale.

Other uses of coir

Figure 3: Products of coconut fiber.

 Coir pith, if treated with certain chemicals and processed under advanced
methods, can be prepared to become a fantastic building material known as
bonotex. Bonotex has great properties: its heat resistance is excellent, it is water-
resistant since it will not swell on immersion in water, and it is pliable. Additionally, it
does not warp or shrink on exposure to water, unlike many conventional building
materials, and it makes it a good material for construction in roofing, walling, and
flooring applications. This development may turn out to be the long-awaited
panacea for affordable, durable, and eco-friendly construction material at a time
when our country is still battling persistent housing shortages and extreme weather
conditions.

Coir Products

Figure 4: Different coil products.

Coir is usually drawn from the protective husk of the coconut and used to make
a wide range of household items, from floor coverings and doormats to floor mats and
rugs. In terms of designs and colorful patterns of these mats, people love them.
Rubberized coir, which is a mix of coir and latex, is also made into comfortable
mattresses and cushions. Furthermore, coir production starts as the husk is soaked in
lagoons for periods of time up to ten months. After soaking, the husk is then beaten
manually to extract the golden fibers, which are spun on an authentic spinning wheel
known as the "Ratts." The fibers are then dyed and woven into attractive yet robust
mats and carpets.
2. Abaca Fiber

Abaca, or Manila hemp (Musa textilis), is a plant species of banana coming

from the Philippines, best known for its strong fiber. For hundreds of years, abacá has
been considered an important crop in agriculture due to the usual sources of this
commodity coming from Bicol, Davao, and Leyte regions. Additionally, such qualities
make it really valuable in marine ropes, twine, and even paper products, such as
teabags and banknotes. Besides, our country produces more than any other country
and plays a vital role in the livelihoods of many Filipino farmers. Furthermore, abacá,
the traditional raw material, is now getting attention from abroad as an eco-friendly
and sustainable textile material for handicrafts and composites for various usages in
the automotive and construction industries.

Figure 5: Extraction process of abaca fiber.

Abaca Extraction

Fiber extraction of abaca is a labor-intensive process that generally requires a

few major steps traditionally undertaken by hand. Here are the steps:

1. Harvesting: Pseudostems of an abacá plant are harvested. These stalks could

reach 20 feet and get cut when it is mature. They mature in around 18-24
months.
2. Tuxying: After stalk cutting, the stalk is separated into outer and inner layers.
The soft inner layers are a different product from the harder outer layer, which
is rich in strongest fibers.
3. Stripping: Now the fibers are pulled out away from the plant tissue, leaving
behind the long, flexible strand. Mechanical stripping machines are now used
 to make this step faster in some areas while, in most rural parts of the Philippines,
hand stripping is still practiced.
4. Drying: The extricated raw fibers are spread out under the sun for drying. Sun-
drying is so essential in the process because it is going to keep away the fibers
from rot and gaining their desirable strength and durability. Good drying also
enhances the color of the fibers.
5. Grading: The dried fibers have to be sorted and graded according to their
quality. The best quality fibers are long, fine, and smooth. Lower-grade fibers
may be shorter or coarser.

3. Pina Fiber

Figure 6: Extraction process of pina fiber.

Pina fiber is a fragile and delicate natural fiber coming from the leaves of the
plant pineapple, also referred to as Ananas comosus. It is an indigenous industry,
traditionally produced in the Philippines, and is characteristic of Aklan province. In line
with this, the industry is privileged by the lightness, translucency, and lustrous aspect
of the fabric obtained from piña fiber. It is woven into luxurious fabrics, which are
frequently used in producing the iconic barong Tagalog and other formal garments,
accessories, and embroidery. Moreover, piña fiber extraction is labor-intensive,
requiring the skilled hand-stripping and processing of leaves by artisans. Piña fabric,
aside from its Filipino heritage and crafts manly expertise, was also recognized on the
international scene for its environmentally friendly nature within sustainable fashion
and design.

OTHER FIBERS

Figure 7: Other useful plant fibers: Bristle, silk, cotton, jute, and flax fiber.

4. Bristle Fiber

Bristle fibers from plant material are used for making brushes and brooms, besides
many other products with rough textures. The buri palm is one of the richest sources of
bristle fibers in the country and is widely grown in the tropics. Buri fiber from the buri
palm is sought for its strength and durability. Also, it can be used in making different
household and agricultural tools, such as sweeping brooms (walis) and traditional
handicrafts.
 There are two traditional primary methods of obtaining buri fibers:

Pounding: This is when buri leaves are crushed to break down the tougher and
outer layers of the leaf, which later will help loosen fibers from the plant's structure.
At this point, it softens the fibers and retains their bristle-like features.

Soaking: After pounding, buri leaves are left in water. This will help to make the
material soft enough while separating the fine bristle fibers from pulp. Soaking
periods can vary, but this is very important since it ensures that the fibers become
pliant and easier to work on.

5. Silk

Figure 8: Products of silk fabric.

Silk fiber is a protein fiber which some insects produce, mainly by the young of the
silkworm 'Bombyx mori', as it spins its cocoons. Being 100 percent fibroin, a protein, silk
fibers now possess this phenomenal strength and gloss. It is therefore called sericulture,
covering a cycle of raising silkworms on mulberry leaves, allowing them to spin
cocoons, and carefully extracting those cocoons. Silk is known not only for its
attractive texture and silky lustrous appearance but also for its value property in the
textile industry. Silk has garnered such reputation that it will assure an excellent status
of garments and linens along with other fine fabrics. In addition to this, natural luster
along with properties such as strength, breathability, and temperature regulation give
it versatile options for diversified applications.
6. Cotton

Figure 9: Products of cotton.

Cotton is a natural fiber from the seed of the cotton plant (Gossypium) and
flourishes with black soil and warm climatic condition. Major producing regions in the
Philippines are Ilocos and Central Luzon. They are usually harvested around late
summer or early fall since it thrives well during dry seasons, and the bolls have started
to ripen. Separation of the cotton fibers from the seeds happens immediately after
the harvesting process is done. More processes, such as cleaning and spinning into
yarn, are carried out on these fibers before they finally get woven into clothes, and it
is preferred in clothing, bedding, and towels because it is soft, breathable, and
absorbs moisture. Cotton is spun into yarn to be sewn on the traditional materials,
otherwise known as "Inabel" in Ilocos, under its intricate designs and special cultural
heritage of the province. Besides, handicraft production is made from cotton upon
local artisans' hands, such as bags, clothes, and home-decorated items, to strengthen
the local economic boost.
7. Jute

Figure 10: Products of jute fiber.

It is a natural fiber extracted from the jute plant's bark, belonging to the
Corchorus species. It thrives in the wet, tropical climate conditions around Mindanao
and the Visayas in the Philippines. It's typically tapped during the rainy season. After
extracting the fibers, the stems are submerged in water, and the retting breaks the
fibers; the fibers are then pulled out and dried up before spinning them into threads.
Jute is used for making sacks and ropes due to its strength, durability, and
biodegradable property. Furthermore, this low cost and environment-friendly nature
of jute has boosted its implementation, giving a boost for an added reliable source
for sustainable crafts and increasing awareness of environmental conservation
amongst the people of that region.

8. Flax

Figure 11: Products of flax fiber.

 Flax is a strong fiber obtained from the stem of the flax plant (Linum
usitatissimum), which thrives in well-drained soil and moderate climate. Though rarely
cultivated within the Philippines, flax plants have reportedly been grown in Baguio
because of that region's cooler climate. Further, flax fibers are used in the
manufacture of premium-quality paper and as reinforcement materials in the
automotive and construction industries. For indigenous crafts, flax can be used for
clothing or other accessories that are environmentally friendly and sustainable;
however, the crop is still in the developing phase in the country. Although flax
cultivation is minimal in our country, imported linen is sometimes used by local artisans
and designers for products ranging from linen clothing to home textiles like curtains
and tablecloths, even sustainable fashions.
REFERENCES:

ABACA – Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans (ISPs) platform. (n.d.).
https://ispweb.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/isp-commodities/abaca

Cotton, B. P. (2019, August 19). What is a natural fiber? | Barnhardt Purified cotton.
https://barnhardtcotton.net/blog/what-is-a-natural-fiber/amp/

Future fibres: Abaca. (n.d.). Food and Agriculture Organization.

https://www.fao.org/economic/futurefibres/fibres/abaca0l/i0000%20small%20

Webs, O. (2023, May 30). Bristle Fiber - Eco Fresh World. Eco Fresh World. Retrieved
https://ecofreshworld.com/bristle-fiber/