Carrier Item Number: Ia16 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Back pack has a rectangular base and bulging rectangular sides which terminate in a central blunt edge. To each of the sides, there is a coiled loop attached. Long handles originate from the center of the base on one of the long sides, pass through the loops, cross, and terminate at smaller loops attached to the center of the base on the short sides. The rim has been finished with rattan coiled over a firm rattan rod.

History Of Use

Basket making remains a living craft among all the northern Luzon peoples. Baskets are used for household storage and for transporting produce from the fields to the habitation sites. Occasionally baskets were made for ceremonial use. Decoration was created with simple interlaced braids and a combination of weaves which also served to provide strength. Ifugao basketry shapes are believed to have been inspired by Chinese jars and pots traded into Luzon before the 16th century.