Title:
Banig Level
Description:
Insular Southeast Asia is a floor-level culture. Spain introduced chair-level. Mat culture was so highly developed that there was a proper mat for each function. Some mats were specifically woven for heavy duty agricultural uses, others finer for everyday functions, and still others so artistically decorated with symbols and colours for ceremonies like those marking rites of passage. The banig is a precious element of Philippine culture to sustain. Bobadilla explained that while common eating was on banana leaves at ground level, the wealthy dined on low tables. They would have been sitting on mats as Pigafetta noted and the tables were low. Dulang is what Tagalogs call the low table that comes in many sizes. Several dulang can be placed end to end for large banquets. Important has been that one could eat with others. Note the wooden basin that may have been used for finger washing.
Subjects:
Banig Dulang
Exhibition:
Diego Bob 1616
Source:
“Una comida entre gente acomodada” from the Luis Ma. Araneta Collection. 1880s-1890s, Cebu.
Type:
Image;Still Image
Format:
image/jpeg
Source
Preferred Citation:
"Banig Level", Philippine Food History, Felice P. Sta. Maria
Reference Link:
felicepstamaria.net/items/coll093.html