A baníg (pronounced buh-NIG) is a traditional handwoven mat found in the Philippines, used mostly as a sleeping mat or a floor mat. Depending on the region, the mat is made of buri (palm), pandanus or reed leaves. While most banig are large in size to cover a floor, together with elder weavers, we designed a yoga mat.
 
The majority of yoga mats produced today are made of PVC and plastic materials. In attempt to provide more “sustainable” options, yoga companies have also developed mats out of rubber, cotton or cork - but these are often expensive and limited. We believe the most sustainable option is supporting local crafters who work with natural materials using ancestral knowledge.
 
With the thickness of the woven leaves, the banig mat effectively absorbs the body’s weight & supports grounded space for meditative practice.
 
These were designed together with Sonia Layaog Aloba and Adolpha Illustrisimo Alonhasin,  the last of two elder banig weavers of Okoy, Bantayan island.