been started and rooted it will endure neglect and even abandonment. It
produces better and finer leaves, however, if it receives some care
and attention. In the towns of Tanay and Pililla, Rizal Province, and
in Mabitac, Laguna Province, and in all the towns along the lake shore
as far as Paete, the suckers of the plant are set out in small plots
of ground surrounding the houses of the people. These form patches
which in several years (depending mostly on soil conditions) yield
pandan leaves large and fine enough to be used in the manufacture of
hats and mats. The ideal location for sabutan is along the banks of
streams where it can get the benefit of the light shade of bamboo
or plants that happen to grow in the vicinity. Ordinarily, good
results are obtained by planting the suckers of sabutan in a loose
and moist, but well drained, soil. Plants are set out one meter apart
in each direction, as they spread considerably. They need some shade,
especially when young, but not the heavy shade of an abacá or banana
grove.
The plant grows to be from 2 to 4 meters high. The leaves are fine
in texture, about 2 meters long and as wide as 6 centimeters. Spines
occur on the margins and on the under surface of the midrib. The
male inflorescence procured from Tanay by the Bureau of Education
is similar in appearance to that of Pandanus tectorius and is about
27 centimeters long. At varying distances on the flower stalk are
leaves (bracts), thin and fine, from 10 to 24 centimeters long and
with fine spines on margins and midrib. The flowers have a pleasant,
though not very strong, odor.
Status of the sabutan mat industry.--As an industry, the weaving of
sabutan mats is confined to the towns of Tanay and Pililla, in the
Province of Rizal. The beginnings of this industry go back beyond
the memory of the oldest inhabitants or even of their parents. It
is probable that, as the people state, mat weaving has been carried
on ever since the towns were founded. Tanay is the older of the two
and it would seem (though reliable historical data of this kind are
difficult to obtain) that the town was the first to engage in sabutan
mat weaving and is probably the mother of all the sabutan industries
carried on around Laguna de Bay.
The present condition of the mat-weaving industry of these two towns,
however, is precarious; it appears to be gradually dying out. The
fabrication of sabutan hats has been introduced from Mabitac, Laguna
Province, into Pililla, with the result that the younger generation
is entirely engaged in making hats, and the relatively small number
of mats produced is being woven by the older women who have not cared
to learn the new art. As yet no hats are made in Tanay, but the work
is being taught in the schools and from conversation with people of
the town it is judged that they are becoming interested also.
The disappearance of the sabutan mat industry would be very
unfortunate, for the products are the finest samples of the mat
weaver's art produced in the Philippines. The mats are of fine straw;
the natural gray of sabutan is pleasing; the designs used are good; and
the colors are usually well combined. The favorite patterns consist of
heavy plaids with some of the stripes containing sub-patterns produced
by floating straws; the simplest ones have narrow border designs in
straight lines. The most expensive mats are decorated with embroidered
designs. The combination of colors in these is sometimes not pleasing
and the designs themselves are not of special merit. However, if
better ones are substituted, these mats should be excellent for a
foreign trade demanding expensive articles of this nature. Unlike
most Philippine mat industries, this one has not as yet been affected
by coal tar dyes, and only vegetable dyes, found locally in the
town or in the forests, are employed. The straw dyes very well and
as a consequence the colors produced are even throughout the mat;
nor have any of the shades that brilliant effect or "off color"
which is so distasteful in certain fibers. The colors obtained are
only fairly fast in the light, however, and it is probable that the
new coal tar dyes will be faster and cheaper. In point of durability,
sabutan mats would be superior to all others produced in the Islands
if woven of double straws. In price they now vary from forty centavos
to thirty pesos, the ordinary ones bringing from P1.50 to P2.50.
If the industry is to be preserved intact, however, something must
be done to give it vitality, for the weavers know from experience
of neighboring towns that more money can be made from weaving hats
than in the fabrication of mats, and they will naturally change to
the more remunerative article. Unlike most other weaving industries,
the craft has not as yet been organized in Tanay. The production of
mats has been more or less haphazard, with but little supervision by
any person resembling the broker usually connected with household
industries. The weaver on completing a mat sells it in the market
or to some storekeeper. Up to the present time, the chief trade in
these mats has been at Antipolo in May during the "romeria" or annual
pilgrimage to the shrine of the Virgin of Antipolo. Certain persons
in Tanay have made it a practice to gather up a store of mats and
take them to Antipolo for sale there during the fiesta. A few of them
are on sale in Manila and in neighboring provinces. Of late, however,
persons have appeared who are taking up the industry more thoroughly
as brokers and it is to be hoped that the workers will be organized
into some better system for production than now exists. There is a
large opportunity not only for supervision but also for division of
labor. At present the men of the house cut the leaves, and each weaver
(all the weavers are women) carries out the rest of the process. There
would be a considerable saving of time if certain persons devoted
themselves to the preparation of the gray straw, and the dyeing were
left entirely to certain other workers. In this way the weavers of the
mats would be engaged only in the actual fabrication of the article
and much time would be saved to them. [13]
Planting, maturing, and yield of sabutan.--The plants from which the
straw mats at Tanay are made are set out in plots near the houses of
the workers. The suckers are planted in April at the beginning of the
rainy season, and, while it is always stated that straw prepared from
the leaves grown in the shade is best for weaving, yet the plants are
never intentionally set out in the shade but are planted wherever an
unoccupied plot of ground is obtainable. As a matter of fact, the
patches to be seen in the sabutan towns grow in a semi-shade such
as one would expect to find in yards where the usual ornamental and
fruit trees and banana plants grow. Much of the sabutan is in the
sun from morning to night; some is shaded during all or part of the
day. The suckers mature leaves in the third year [14] but these are
cut off and thrown away as useless and it is not until the fourth
year that the lower leaves can be stripped into straw. Harvest takes
place every four months, five or six leaves being obtained from a
plant at each cutting. The plants are never irrigated but it is to
be noted that the soil around Laguna de Bay is very moist and that
the water table is close to the surface with a good seepage from the
hills which are near the shore. It is probable that the plants differ
in their production of leaves because some have many more branches
than others and the climatic and soil conditions affect the yield.
Preparation of the straw.--The best straw is prepared during the
dry season, because at this time there is sufficient sunshine to
produce a good colored material. As a consequence the workers prepare
a large quantity at that season and store it in or under their houses,
wrapped in mats.
The leaves used are about 2 meters in length and 6 cm. in width. The
central thorns on the back of the leaves are removed by cutting away
the midrib. Two lengths about an inch in width are thus produced from
which the outer rows of thorns may or may not be removed, according
to custom. The lengths thus obtained are left in the sunshine and
wind for about half a day to render them more flexible, after which
they are cut into straws. For this purpose there is used an instrument
consisting of a narrow wooden handle about 2 1/2 cm. wide at the base,
into which narrow sharp teeth, usually of steel, are set. Brass and
even hard woods can be used for teeth. The point of the segment being
cut off, the base is grasped in one hand, the inside of the segment
being turned toward the operator. The comb-like instrument is forced
into it about 4 cm. from the end of the base and the teeth are held
against the first finger by pressure of the thumb. The leaf length
is then drawn up by the other hand and is cut into straws depending
in width upon the fineness of the comb used. If the leaves are too
young they will break in this process. The stripped segments are then
usually tied up into bundles as large around as the fist, and hung in
some shaded place exposed to the wind. The length of time occupied by
this process varies. In some places it is omitted, though it seems
to be always carried out in Tanay. The bundles are then undone and
the worker, holding the uncut base of each length in one hand, runs
the straw between his fingers and the sharp edged ruler-like piece
of bamboo held in the other. This is done several times and results
in the removal of considerable moisture, the prevention of wrinkling,
and greater pliability of the straw.
There are several variations in the processes followed for boiling
sabutan. In the Province of Laguna a fistful of the stripped lengths
with bases still attached are rolled up into a bundle and placed in
fresh water in order to remove the coloring matter--in some places
in clear, running river water, in other places in a can of clean,
fresh water--for about twenty-four hours; the water is changed
several times. In the last method the process is discontinued when
the water remains clear. Bundles are then placed in cold vinegar,
water or lemon water to which green tamarind fruit has been added to
make the color of the straw lighter and to toughen it; the water is
brought to a boil. Bamboo is used as fuel, as that fire is not so hot
as a wood fire. The length of time required for cooking differs. One
good authority states that it should be stopped when the odor of
sabutan can no longer be detected in the vapor, which occurs after
about fifteen minutes boiling. This authority also states that the
straw should be removed when it takes on a reddish hue. Many women
put the straw into clear boiling water to which nothing has been
added. After this process the straw is allowed to cool, is washed
several times in clean, fresh water and is spread in the sun to dry,
whereupon it assumes a gray color. If there is no sun the cool straw
must be kept in fresh water which is changed every twelve hours until
the sun appears. If a greenish shade is obtained the process has not
been correctly carried out. Straw from dark green, thick, old leaves,
or from those grown in the sun, is often reddish brown in color.
The boiling processes noted are those used in the preparation of
straw for mats. The process followed in Tanay has been described
by Mr. Amado Simpoco, principal of the Tanay Central School. The
stripped lengths, after being wilted and drawn over the sharp edged
piece of bamboo, are made up into fist bundles, tied at the middle
and placed in a large copper pot 61 cm. in diameter and 84 cm. in
depth and containing about 25 bundles. The pot is filled with water
and the sabutan is boiled for 24 hours, care being taken that the
straw is always covered. After boiling, the bundles are removed and
untied and the strips are hung in the shade or in the house to cool;
afterwards they are placed in the river for a day and are then washed
carefully and dried thoroughly in the sun. The gray straw thus obtained
is stored in bundles, still attached to the uncut bases, and is left
in the air for three or four nights before it is woven into mats.
Dyeing sabutan.--Mr. Simpoco has also made a careful study of the
methods used in Tanay in dyeing sabutan straw, and the results of
his efforts are presented here.
Red orange: For the production of red orange straw the gray material,
prepared as outlined above, is first treated by steeping in water
containing kolis leaves and twigs. The leaves and chopped twigs are
pounded in a mortar and are placed together with the sabutan in a
large receptacle capable of containing from 25 to 30 bundles, filled
with water. The material is allowed to remain in the receptacle for
four days. Early in the morning of the fifth day the straw is removed
and hung in a shaded place until dry and is made up into bundles tied
tightly at the larger end.
The dye fluid is carefully prepared. Chips of sappan are boiled
in a large copper pot for one day. A quantity of turmeric roots
and annatto seeds are pounded separately in mortars until they are
reduced to a very fine state. These are then separately treated with
water and pressed, the result being a turmeric water and an annatto
water. These two are mixed and poured into the boiling sappan. After
about 25 minutes the bundles of sabutan are placed in the pot and the
whole is allowed to boil until every part of the fiber is uniformly
colored. After having been boiled sufficiently, the bundles are removed
and placed in a large basket, later to be dried in the shade. They are
left in the night air for three or four nights and are then rolled up
in coarse mats. The shades procured vary with the proportions of the
dye materials used. Some are a decided orange, others are light yellow.
Yellow: Yellow straw is produced in the same manner, using turmeric
and annatto only.
Red: In the production of red straw the bundles are treated with kolis
leaves in the same manner as in the preliminary process for red-orange
straw. In a pot capable of holding 25 fist bundles of sabutan, four
gantas [15] of finely chopped sappan are placed. Over this are placed
15 bundles of the straw, which in turn is covered with one ganta of
chopped sappan. The remaining 10 bundles are then added and covered
with still another ganta of sappan. The pot is filled with water
and set over a fire for from twelve to fifteen hours. Care is taken
that the bundles are always kept under the water and that all parts
of the material are uniformly colored. The loss by evaporation is
counterbalanced by adding water from time to time. When well colored,
the straw is removed from the pot and placed in a large basket for a
day and is then hung in the sunshine to be dried. It should be allowed
to remain in the night air; when thoroughly dried it is rolled in
coarse mats.
Black: Black straw, a warm dark gray, is prepared from the red
material. Buds of bananas, leaves of kabling, talisay, camagon, and the
castor plant are pounded in a mortar and are mixed with fine particles
of black clay such as can be obtained from rice paddies. Sappan water,
made by boiling sappan chips, is then added to the mixture and the
entire mass is placed in a large receptacle for a day. Red straw
is put into this mixture and allowed to remain for two days. It is
removed on the third day and again returned to the mixture on the
fourth day. On the fifth day the straw is finally removed and placed
in the sun, being kept in the air at night.
Coal tar dyes are used in the production of green and purple
straws. These are purchased from the Chinese stores. The prepared gray
fiber is also employed with these dyes. The usual method of boiling
in a tin can until the desired shade is obtained, is followed. The
straw is dried in the sun and kept in the night air. Colors produced
are not so uniform or so satisfactory as the others described and
are seldom used.
Weaving the mats.--Before weaving the mat the worker runs the straw
over the ruler-like piece of bamboo as already explained, and removes
the uncut base to which it has been attached during the various
processes of preparation, bleaching, and dyeing. One side of the mat
is first woven the entire length, and is finished by having the edges
turned in. This edge is then placed in a slit made in a narrow stick
of wood and is tied in place with strips of sabutan straw running
around the stick and through the mat. The mat is allowed to remain
attached to this stick until it has been completely woven. As weaving
proceeds, the finished part is rolled up on the stick, thus being
out of the way of the weaver. This arrangement also serves to keep
the mat in position during weaving and prevents it from getting out
of shape. Single straws are used and consequently the mat has a right
and a wrong side. [16] The most expensive mats, which are seldom made,
are double and of very fine material.
The extension and cultivation of sabutan.--For a number of years
there has been an increasing interest throughout the Philippines in
the propagation of sabutan. Teachers in various places have procured
suckers from the towns along the east coast of Laguna de Bay, and
have planted them out with the idea of having their own industrial
material close at hand. Many of these attempts have been failures,
since not enough information had been obtained concerning the soil and
moisture conditions necessary for the cultivation of the plant. The
Bureau of Education has therefore gathered as much information as
possible on the cultivation of sabutan, based upon the experience of
various persons who have attempted planting it.
It has been found that, in those regions having a dry season, the
suckers should be planted early in the rainy season so that they may
become well rooted before the rains stop, or else water should be
provided through irrigation ditches. In nearly all cases it has been
reported that the loss of plants resulted from lack of water at the
planting period.
It is reported that difficulty is found in making the suckers live if
planted in the sun, but that, when well established, those so planted
grow and produce suckers better. As has been previously noted, no
special attempt is made to set the plants out in either the sun or
shade in the towns around Laguna de Bay, but all weavers state that
leaves grown in the shade are the best for industrial purposes.
Sabutan plants need a moist but well drained soil. They should be
set out about a meter apart each way (that is, the rows one meter
apart and plants one meter apart in the row), since they spread out
considerably when they become older. Where sufficient moisture does
not exist, irrigation should be provided. If it is decided to shade
the suckers, plants such as the papaya, having long roots rather than
surface roots, are best. No sabutan plants should be planted within
6 feet of the papaya.
It is probable that with cultivation the plants will yield leaves
suitable for straw in from one and one-half to two years, the time
to mature depending upon the conditions noted in the preceding
paragraphs. [17]
Sabutan types.--In several places in the Philippines there are
pandans which yield leaves similar to those of sabutan. It is probable
that none of these are the true sabutan. The most important one is
that growing along the northeastern shore of Tayabas Province. Mats
are made at both Casiguran and Baler, and enter to a small extent,
the interprovincial trade with neighboring provinces. It is stated,
however, that these regions abound in the species of pandan from
which the mats are made. Sabutan type mats are also reported made at
Palanan in Isabela Province, and a trade is carried on in them with
neighboring towns.
Other pandans reported under the name of sabutan and resembling it
more or less have no commercial importance.
Sarakat.
Sarakat is a distinctive pandan of the Bangui Peninsula of Ilocos
Norte. The climate of this region differs from the rest of Ilocos Norte
in that it has rainfall practically throughout the year, receiving as
it does the benefit of the northeast monsoon which is cut off from
the country to the south. It has not as yet been determined whether
sarakat is to be described as a new variety of P. tectorius or is to
be designated as an entirely new species.
From mats submitted to this office, it is to be judged that sarakat
straw is as fine as sabutan. In fact, the material is so thin that
even though the mats are woven of double straws they are no thicker,
and are a good deal more pliable than all other commercial pandan mats,
sabutan excepted, produced in the Philippines. The upper surface of
pandan straw is glossy, and the under surface is rough. In making
the double straw, the two rough surfaces are placed together so as
to expose both glossy ones. Hence, unlike the sabutan, both sides
of sarakat mats are similar in appearance. The material, however,
is not so strong as sabutan. [18]
The mats are not decorated either by weaving in colored straws or by
embroidered or border designs. In price they vary from about P1 to P2.
Mr. Petronilo Castro, formerly Supervising Teacher of Bangui, has
stated that that town supplies most of the mats used by the people
of Ilocos Norte. Some buri mats and a few "pandan" mats (probably
from the common seashore variety) are made. The sarakat mats exceed
those of pandan in numbers and in commercial importance and are more
beautiful and stronger. The demand for the mats is great and many
people are engaged exclusively in their fabrication.
The Pandan of Majayjay. [19]
This pandan (P. utilissimus) is known in most places where it
grows as "pandan" or "pandan totoo," the true or tame pandan. It
is extensively used in Laguna and Tayabas and is remarkable for its
very large leaves and its heavy fruit. The tree occurs in groups in
dry ground but thrives best in half shade near streams. It attains a
height of from 4 to 8 meters. The trunk branches toward the top and
is supported by a few short and thick prop roots.
The leaves are often 5 meters long and 2 decimeters wide. The lower
part of the older leaves stands up straight, while the upper half
droops. The younger leaves are erect with only their tips bent
down. The leaf spines are short, blunt, and conical.
The fruits look like the jackfruit and are very large and heavy, being
often 6 decimeters long and 2 decimeters in diameter and weighing at
times 25 or more kilograms. The drupes ripen slowly and gradually;
they are red in color when fully mature and possess a peculiar faint
odor. It takes some time before all the drupes are shed, and in a
grove of fruiting trees they can be found in all stages of maturity
during the month of May.
P. utilissimus is found growing wild throughout the plateau region
of Majayjay, Luisiana, and Cavinti in Laguna Province, and extending
into Tayabas Province. It is only the leaves from those plants which
have been set out in plots, however, that are utilized in the making
of mats, hats and telescope baskets. Like sabutan, this pandan grows
best in the half-shade near streams, and leaves grown in the sun
are considered inferior. Nevertheless, no attempt seems to be made to
select a locality for their propagation, and plots are planted wherever
land is available. This pandan will not live in stagnant water and
is particularly adapted to hill-sides where there is a constant flow.
The most satisfactory statistics on the propagation of P. utilissimus
are obtained from Cavinti, where the plant has been introduced
within recent years and suckers are still being brought in from other
towns. It is stated that suckers one-half meter in height mature in
about three years, while suckers one meter in height or over will
produce suitable leaves in one year or less. The most satisfactory
results are obtained by transplanting the mature plants, since leaves
are obtainable in a few months and in half a year suckers large
enough for transplanting are produced. It is stated that in setting
the plants out, the undergrowth is cleared away and the suckers are
placed in the ground about 1 1/2 meters apart. Some attention is
given to the young plants such as loosening the earth around them;
but as soon as they obtain a good foothold no cultivation is attempted.