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The baskets

Photo Hilde van der Sterren

Photo Hilde van der Sterren
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DSC_0107 (1).jpg

Photo Hilde van der Sterren
Bags in the making


Material, strapping tape of many colours
Training


First bags
After a month of training


And from then ...
Pride and respect


Rectangular base
Square base


With rattan
Wavy


Boxes
Multicolor


Rainbow
Low basket


Flower
Bicycle


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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