Woven Livelihoods: Analyzing the Cultural and Economic Value of Bamboo Weaving in Rural Communities

Abstract

Bamboo weaving is a culturally and economically important practice that affects the rural communities of the Philippines. This study describes and analyzes the different bamboo woven products from two communities, focusing on the socio-cultural functions and economic considerations that include traditional knowledge of bamboo weaving in Antique in Central Philippines. While bamboo weaving may still bring meaning to local economies or have connections to heritage practice, the documentation of these products and knowledge systems is unknown to the province. This qualitative study documented the various bamboo woven products and narratives from local weavers and their livelihood experiences. The results showed that there were nine major products produced by the communities, namely makan or amakan, alat, bakuwa, bakag, pugadan, buyos, dawin, tabungos and taun. The research centered on five themes: availability of raw materials; step-by-step production processes; capitalization and start-up costs, income that is derived from the finished products, marketing trends, some challenges, including limited access to markets; environmental factors (land); and lack of institutional support. The findings suggest that bamboo weaving can provide both economic sustainability, as well as be a medium for Indigenous knowledge, and environmental care. The study pointed out the significant role of the Local Government Unit (LGU) such as in undertaking programs like the establishment of a School for Living Traditions (SLT) and promoting weaving as potential local business to both assure cultural continuity and economic viability to weavers.