We are constantly taken back by the talented tradesman and women here in the Philippines. Local graphic signs aren't cut from vinyl, instead they are hand-painted, and seen everywhere the eye meets; shops, bars, restaurants, posters, and even on jeepneys and cars. The weavers are out of this world, with fabric, bamboo and abaca basket style weaving. We are meeting with one such weaver today to have a custom piece weaved for a wallet that we're making. In collaboration with new designs we hope to learn a fraction of what is truly an indigenous skill to the Cordillera and many other island regions.
The skilled work doesn't stop there, it spills over to the carvers as well. We were amazed by the intricate detail and movable parts as is the case with this highly technical tripod design. It is entirely carved out of a single piece of wood - no glue here. This piece, native to the Ifugao region, serves as both sculptural and functional. Its various sizes allow it to become a bowl holder, table base or, with the addition of a leather cover, becomes a seat.
