Thepasiking (English term:knapbasket[1]) is the indigenous basket-backpack found among the various ethno-linguistic groups ofNorthern Luzon in thePhilippines. These artifacts, whether handwoven traditionally or their 21st century contemporary variations, are considered exemplars of functional basketry in the Philippines and amongFilipinos.[2]
The sacred, ritual pasiking of theIfugao tribal group is called theinabnutan, not to be confused with the more commonbangeo.[3] Both of those types have abnut palm bast and/or apangdan vine weatherproofing. The bangaw has a rigid, fixed flap over the shoulders, while the inabnutan has a flexible woven flap.[4][5]
Another sacred, ritual pasiking of the Highland PhilippineBontoc andKankanaey peoples is called thetakba. Representing an ancestor figure, the takba is an active participant inbegnas rituals.[6] These takba must be fed or its contents recharged periodically. To neglect or disrespect a takba is to risk punishment of becoming "bagtit" or demented.
Some of the Northern Philippine tribal groups calledIgorots or Cordillerans[7] that weave pasiking are theApayaos orIsneg, theTinguian ofAbra province, theKalingas ofKalinga province, the Gaddang, theBugkalot, theApplai, theBontocs ofBontoc, Mountain Province, the Ilagod, the Bago, theKankana-ey, theBalangao, theIbaloi, theIfugaos, the Ikalahan, the Kalanguya, the Karao, and the Ilongots. It is also woven usingrattan by non-Cordilleran persons.[8]
The most common materials used in construction are rattan and bamboo. There are also rare pasiking specimens utilizing deer hide (parfleche) and wood. There are at least two specimens utilizing a whole turtle shell (one is in the Museo ng Kaalamáng Katutubò collection in Manila,) and at least one documented sample in crocodile skin (in the George Schenk collection in Banaue.)
A deconstructed version of the pasiking, including dozens of antique, vintage and contemporary variants, were exhibited in theBenCab Museum.[9] There are also 21st century pasiking that are made of recyclable materials like plastic cargo straps, canvas conveyor belts, and recycled detonation cord.[10]
An exhibit at Museo Kordilyera atUniversity of the Philippines Baguio from December to January 2022 showcased several varieties of these traditional backpacks.[11]
In the 1970s on through the 1980s, the pasiking has also been a symbol among Filipino students for nationalist activism. There was a decline of making traditional bamboo crafts, including the pasiking, during the 1980s but in the mid-2010s, the industry of bamboo crafts came into resurgence with the help of the Philippines'Department of Trade and Industry.[12]
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