Residing in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro is the peace-loving Indigenous group of the Iraya-Mangyan famous for their beautiful weaving tradition. Although the basket is the traditional product of nito weaving, the Iraya-Mangyan have expanded their crafts to include items like serving trays, coasters, and bread plates that can be shared with those outside of their community.
The crafts are named as such because of the nito vine used in the weaving process. This special vine cannot be planted or cultivated. It simplygrows on its own in the wild. The Iraya-Mangyan collect only what the earth will naturally allow, ensuring the sustainability and earth friendly nature of their art. Each nito craft is a unique artwork delicately created by a single individual.They are a specialty item, having no single design that will ever be exactly the same. On average, a large basket takes one week to complete. It’s a process that requires much patience and skill but in the end, the final work speaks volumes of our rich indigenous tradition and excellent craftsmanship.
Christmas just around the corner, why not consider the nito woven works as gifts? The unique and earth friendly crafts celebrate a culture we can be proud of. Beautiful, functional and durable— the nito pieces will always find a place in your home, office or establishment. Below are just some of the samples of what’s available.
The Ayala Foundation and the Iraya-Mangyan, are proud to bring the nito crafts closer to the public at this year’s Ayala Group Fair Share Store on October 10, 2013 from 10:00 am -7:00 pm at the 2nd Floor Gallery of the InterContinental Hotel in Makati City. They will be joined by other partner communities of the Ayala Group who will also be showcasing their products. You may also visit the display booth of the Iraya-Mangyan crafts at the 3rd Floor of Greenbelt 5 or at the Museum Shop of the Ayala Museum.
With each purchase of the nito crafts, a contribution goes to the education, housing management, health, and livelihood development of the Iraya-Mangyan in partnership with the Ayala Foundation.
For more information on the Iraya-Mangyan Development Projects of the Ayala Foundation or to inquire about the nito crafts, feel free to contact Ms. Paz Baylon, Iraya-Mangyan Project coordinator at [email protected]