FEATURE
Learn the craft of transfoming the buri plant into buntal fibers
Craft Villages of
Santa Cruz, Marinduque
Most people know Marinduque for the Moryonan. During Holy Week, the island is busy with the activities of this sacred devotion. When the Lenten season ends, Santa Cruz goes back to its normal, quieter routine. That daily life relies heavily on the steady work of local artisans. You can visit these communities directly to see how they make their traditional crafts.
Buntal Weaving in Barangay Balogo In Barangay Balogo, the focus is buntal weaving. Groups like Raya Imperia Fiber and Monte de Ramos handicrafts lead this work. The artisans extract buntal fibers from the stalks of the buri plant. They dry the fibers thoroughly. Local women then weave these prepared fibers using traditional handlooms. They produce structured bags, placemats, and table runners. You can sit down with the weavers and try operating the loom yourself to understand the physical effort required.
Handwoven Buri Products in Devilla
Moriones Masks Carving in Kasily
Buri Weaving in Barangay Devilla Barangay Devilla takes a different approach to the buri plant. The Devilla Farmer’s Cooperative harvests the young, unopened leaves or fronds instead of the stalks. The farmers dry these leaves and plait them by hand. They turn the broad leaves into hats, sleeping mats, bags, and traditional toys. Visiting Devilla gives you a chance to work alongside the farmers. You can learn to fold and weave the buri leaves while talking with the locals.
Morion Carving in Barangay Kasily The Morion mask is a central part of the island’s tradition. The Diaz family in Barangay Kasily carves these masks out of locally sourced dapdap or santol wood. They also make the complete Moriones outfits, including the chestplates, leather sandals, and other accessories. You can drop by their open workshop to watch them shape the wood with mallets and chisels. They are usually open to letting visitors help smooth out a rough carving with sandpaper or paint a finished accessory.
Empower Local Artists through ArtVenture
Younger locals are also shaping the island’s art scene. A group called ArtVenture Wearable Art paints Morion images on everyday clothing. These young artists paint their own versions of the traditional faces on canvas tote bags, custom shoes, hand fans, shirts, and bucket hats. You can meet them in person and paint your own item while discussing their design process.