Mayat-an?s first product was a Binga basket which became an instant hit with buyers when it was first introduced to the market. It seemed that consumers were ready and searching for unique products that also express the lifestyles of ancient cultures while adapted to modern functional uses. The market was going for nature products consistent with public concern for environmental preservation.
The base raw materials used for the bags are rattan and a species of wild bamboo called anes, known among the natives for its resistance to decay and pest attacks. These are sourced from the thick forests of Sablan, Benguet.
There is no threat to the environment. Cutting the mature anes encourages more tubers to grow. If these are not harvested when mature, they would simply die and it would take another three to for years for its roots to recover and grow again.
Preparing the materials for weaving is a tedious process. The anes is cut to the desired length and sizes, then cleaned. Meticulously, straw after straw is drawn into a mesh and woven into the shape desired by the weaver. Tradition, a peoples legacy of crafts and design, passion, patience and heart go into weaving each piece, which is also lovingly finished with natural pigments derived from trees and barks that abound in the Cordilleras. One could say that the firm?s products are works of art. Aside from intricate weaving and woodcarving, new designs incorporate the use of use a fabrics made using the traditional backstrap loom weaving. It entails stretching a reel of threads from an elevated area of the loom to a strap securely tied to the back of the weaver. Weaving, beating and stretching are involved to mesh the threads together into a fabric rich in patterns and colors.
Woven into each merchandise is the love and life of a family and community united into preserving its ancient lifestyles and traditions.
With a rising market demand, The firm?s workforce now stands at 71 from the original 3 family workers. Most workers are from the immediate community, thus raising the incomes of many Ifugao families. From a starting capital of P7,000, the firms total assets have grown to P1.4 million, living proof that an enterprise can grow and succeed while preserving age-old traditions and lifestyles.
