MAT (BANIG)

A closer look at some of the mat traditions will show the artistry and the superb skills of the native weavers. One example is the Samal mat, considered design-wise as one of the most interesting traditions in the whole country. The Samals are Muslims occupying the bigger islands in Tawi-Tawi. They are generally engaged in trade and agriculture. The Samal mat uses the leaves of pandanus plant which grows abundantly in the area. It has four general patterns: 1) stripes; 2) multicolored squares; 3) a checkered pattern of white and other colors; and 4) a zigzag pattern.