Karagumoy before the weaving

Row of spines in the edges and along the midvein are enough to discourage would be weavers. But not for Bulusan weavers. The hardest part is removing these spines that looks like teeth of a fine saw which when embedded in the harvesters hands and fingers are really painful. Observing the processes of 'tukbas' (sustainable harvesting by selecting  only the mature leaves and cutting it close to the stem  without harming the plant) and 'hangulid' (removing the thorns carefully and retaining a straight edge with leaf wide enough for stripping) one can appreciate the patience of the indigenous weavers. The weaving process can only begin after these laborious steps are done that include more succeeding steps  like 'pagreras' (stripping), 'paghiyod' (softening the leaves) before one can really begin the weaving process which is actually the leisurely part.


Photo by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Young mother as weaver

Young mother in Barangay Dancalan weaving karagumoy hats while a young son plays nearby. A typical village scene one can easily catch in a random afternoon visit.

Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Karagumoy weaving suits the slow life

An afternoon of weaving in an open hut in Sitio Tawog, Bulusan and also a time to catch up with the news in the neighborhood for Vangie  and Hilda. Unhurried weaving can yield for her around 8 hats in a day, according to Hilda. When asked where the proceeds will go. She answered smiling : "for my cell phone load" but quickly added, "also for some household necessities  for the day."


Photo: Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines