
THE MATERIAL SIDES OF LIFE 117 
only one, a diagonal effect is obtained which easily yields 
patterns if materials of two colors are employed. This 
process is twilling, and is equally adaptable to baskets 
andtomats. Itisby far the most commonly used weave 
throughout the Philippines. Its predominance is 
rather common in tropical countries, and seems to be 
the outcome of the qualities of the materials provided 
by nature. Bamboo, rattan, palm leaves, and other 
materials that split easily into thin flat strips or splints 
render work in twilling very rapid, and thus offer every 
inducement to the weaver to give this process the pre- 
ference over others. 
The third process used in-Philippine basketry manu- 
facture is that known as coiling. This is really a form 
of sewing, although usually performed without a needle. 
A foundation is coiled on itself and the successive lay- 
ers are sewn or lashed together by more flexible wrap- 
pings. This process has been found in use in a variety 
of Philippine islands; so that while it may not enjoy a 
universal distribution, it is clearly quite generally 
diffused. Technically, two chief types of coiling are 
distinguished: single and multiple rod. In the latter a 
bundle of stems replaces the single rod foundation of 
the former. The world over, multiple foundation is 
probably the more common. It is therefore rather 
strange that not a single basket coiled on a multiple 
foundation seems to have been reported from the 
Philippines. Possibly the preference of the islanders 
for the unit foundation is to be explained by their having 
materials available which easily come in considerable 
lengths and split into strips of uniform thickness. 
Where round twigs have to be used as foundation in 
coiling, considerable paring or other preparation is 
normally necessary to overcome their natural taper; 
whic if uncorrected would render the finished basket 

