Vintage Woven Bamboo Koppit Purse with Dark Brown Patina from the Philippines

Intricately woven split bamboo purse (Koppit). For this piece, the weaver used four different gauges of split bamboo. The top and bottom are two separate parts and fit together perfectly: thus, appearing as one. In practice, it could serve as a clutch but it could also be paired with a shoulder strap for daily use.

The unique shape, dark patina and sheer craftsmanship show the skill and imagination that comes from this mountainous region. This extremely hard to find one-of-a-kind piece will add interest to any décor and be a striking addition as part of a basket or purse collection. Collected in the 1960s in the Philippines.

Place of Origin: Bontoc, Luzon, Philippines

Date of Manufacture: 1950s–1960s

Condition: Excellent

Wear: Consistent with age and use. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions: 9.5 in L X 4.5 in. W X 6 in. H 

Reference: Philippine Basketry - An Appreciation by Robert F. Lane (pg. 88). Similar items can be found in the permanent collections of Philippine Basketry at the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures at the University of Illinois.

Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology at Harvard University