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The baskets

Bags in the making

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Material, strapping tape of many colours

Training

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First bags

After a month of training

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And from then ...

Pride and respect

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Rectangular base

Square base

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With rattan

Wavy

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Boxes

Multicolor

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Rainbow

Low basket

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Flower

Bicycle

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Big or small

Heart

Making of the baskets Videos

Making a bag is hard work as you can see in the following videos. It can take several days or just a couple of hours, depending on the size or difficulty of the pattern. It requires some great weaving skills, and a desire to keep the traditional heritage of Penan patterns alive. Originally the Penan baskets were made of rattan, but due to deforestation this natural material is now very difficult to find. Our project could not have existed if it wasn't for the strapping tape we now use. Whilst this tape may not be natural, it does come in a huge variety of vibrant colours and produces bags that are beautiful, extremely strong and very durable. A Penan basket is for life.

Preparing the stripes from strapping belt

The delicate work of weaving

Finishing the bag

The knot, finishing touch

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