In the Philippines, the skilled basket-maker well understands the properties of the materials  at hand and always makes the fine distinction necessary between the skin of the bamboo or rattan as opposed to the interior flesh. What is to be scrutinized always is a sensible and sensitive use of a material that relates its inherent qualities to a particular design or structure

Ifugao tribe

 Here, where the terraces are close and the slopes are steep, age-old traditions are not easily changed. the few roads through the area are supplemented by narrow footpaths which wind their way along terrace edges up the jutting stepping stones of terrace walls and through mountain passes to connect the villages and barrios. Everything, including new construction materials when needed, must be borne on human backs and heads. It is no wonder then that a number of carrying baskets, such as backpacks and shoulder bags have been developed for they leave a person's hands free to carry other loads. Since the traditional garments of Ifugao do not have pockets some supplementary carrying device is a real necessity.

Hu-op ( Ifugao) Tightly-covered bamboo basket, usually about forty centimeters square and fifteen centimeters high, for the storage of cooked rice during the day.

Kalinga tribe

The Kalinga people inhabit a remote mountainous region of Northern Luzon, barely penetrated by outsiders during Spanish and American colonial rule. While some materials, such as Chinese jars for rice wine, were imported, traditional Kalinga life was highly self-sufficient using local materials for farming and home requirements. Baskets were made for use in the home and in rice, vegetable and sugar fields and were woven from local forest materials, particularly rattan and bamboo.

The labba of the Kalingas is a treat for the eyes in the fine evenness of its structure. the flat rattan ribs which form the warp are carefully shaped and tapered so that a very symmetrical bowl shape is achieved. The very finely split rattan weavers which form the weft rise up the sides in an uninterrupted uniformity, and the final round rim is carefully wrapped in split rattan or nito 

Bontoc tribe

The Bontoc people live along the Chico River and its tributaries in high mountains of Northern Luzon. Their baskets are among the most sophisticated in the Philippines. Made from local forest materials (rattan and bamboo), they meet a multitude of domestic and farm need, from transporting harvested rice to winnowing and storing the rice to plates for meals.

Many of the house hold baskets of the Bontocs, have bamboo as the principal element. It is combined with heavy strips of bent wood which form the rims of covers and feet and stitched with rattan lace bindings.

The Binali weave is a local term for a type of coiled basketry from the Cordillera mountains of Northern Luzon. Rattan is stripped by hand and then coiled while smaller flat pieces are interwoven at right or other angles. Shapes are many and usually highly functional. One popular form imitates the Chinese stoneware storage jar and is used as a container for uncooked rice.

Nito is a vine, a twining

A twining fern which grows in moist ground or open woodland. About four different species are found in the Philippines.

Arise carries an unusual group of nito hamper baskets made by a blind craftsman in Northern Luzon. Using the local nito reed, he employs a coil weaving technique to build his durable yet artistic containers. By weaving in dark-colored nito, he makes patterns inspired by local legends and decorative traditions, including stylized human and animal figures.