
In Aklan, traditional piña handloom weaving begins long before the loom is used. Farmers harvest leaves from a particular pineapple variety called pinya Bisaya.
Fibers are painstakingly extracted from the leaves by hand and then prepared for weaving.
Even the traditional method of weighing the fibers uses local measurements involving old coins.
The knowledge is commonly passed through families, with children learning by watching older relatives. Piña has become an important identity marker for Aklanon communities and is especially valued for formal Philippine clothing
. UNESCO inscribed Aklan piña handloom weaving in 2023.
© UNESCO