82 



nito, and rattan dyed red are utilized. The buri serves 

 as a foundation upon which the materials just mentioned 

 are superimposed. The baskets hold their shape by having 

 a few strips of bamboo inserted in the top of the cover and 

 at the bottom. Romblon baskets of this type are more 

 elaborate; decorations of various designs and colors being 

 embroidered into the hexagonal weave. 



Tobacco cases. — Cigarette cases of buri and nito find a 

 very ready sale. They are woven in the ordinary mat 

 weave, but have narrow black nito strips superimposed on 

 wider buri strips. 



Fans. — Fans are sometimes made of buri, but as yet the 

 product is rather crude and a better article must be made 

 if a steady sale for them is to be established. 



Buri raffia. — The material sold in foreign markets as 

 raffia is generally obtained from the Raphia ruffia palm 

 of Madagascar. The raffia used in the Philippines is from 

 the buri palm and compares favorably with that from the 

 raphia palm. 



Buri raffia takes colors readily and fine results can be 

 obtained. It is a material well adapted for the making of 

 coiled baskets. Care, however, should be taken to see that 

 the colors used are pleasing and harmonious. Quite as 

 important is also the shape of the baskets. They should 

 be symmetrical and graceful in outline. 



In Bohol and other parts of the Visayas, buri raffia is 

 woven into cloth and mats. These mats are rather expen- 

 sive as yet and not very durable. 



Buri raffia, however, is excellent for the making of car- 

 riage cushions or for cushions to be thrown into easy chairs 

 or cozy corners. The carriage cushions ought not to be 

 embellished with velvet edges in imitation of Japanese and 

 foreign styles, for prettier cushions can be made by using 

 the same material or at least native Philippine material 

 instead of velvet. The cushions for the home can be made 

 fancy and artistic by embroidering them with colored abaca 

 braid or cord. Window hangings of buri raffia cloth with 

 stenciled bamboo or Philippine designs, and picture frames 

 made of this material with a design stenciled or embroidered 

 on in colors, are suitable for dens or for homes where some- 



