banig

thumb|Banig in the Philippines sold with various other traditional handicrafts Baníg ( ; ) are traditional handwoven mats of the Philippines predominantly used as a sleeping mat or a floor mat. Banig mats are typically made from pandanus or sedge leaves. They can also utilize other materials, including buri palm leaves, reed leaves, and rattan strips, depending on the region and ethnic group. The leaves are dried, usually dyed, then cut into strips and woven into mats, which may be plain or intricate. thumb|A Sama-Bajau tepo (the local Sinama word for banig) from [[Tandubas, by the Sama Tandubas master weaver Haja Amina Appi]] Prior to the motorization of native bangka and other traditional Filipino sailing vessels, banig made from pandanus leaves were also the material used as traditional sails by Filipinos and other Austronesians due to the natural salt-resistant properties of pandanus and sedge leaves. They were also formerly used during the pre-colonial period to wrap the deceased prior to interment.

== Regional/ethnic styles == thumb|Karagumoy (Pandanus simplex) leaves being dried for weaving in [[Sorsogon]] Most banig are made from pandanus leaves, specifically from the endemic Pandanus simplex (locally known as karagumoy, kalagimay, or karagamoi, among other names) or Pandanus tectorius (locally known as pandan, pangdan, or panhakad, among other names). Pandanus leaves are also used widely for other weaving traditions, including for bags and hats. But the type of material used for mats can vary by region and ethnic group.