Vintage Woven Bamboo Shoulder Bag with Dark Brown Patina from the Philippines

Intricately woven bamboo shoulder bag. For this piece, the weaver used two different gauges of split bamboo and the careful sizing of the shoulder straps shows the basket-maker’s skill. The unique shape, color variation and sheer craftsmanship show the imagination that comes from this mountainous region.

This extremely hard to find one-of-a-kind piece will add interest to any décor from Wabi Sabi to Japandi or Coastal Modern, or be a striking addition as part of a basket or purse collection. Collected in the 1960s in the Philippines, this piece has an amazing dark mahogany patina.  

Place of Origin: Bontoc, Luzon, Philippines 

Date of Manufacture: 1950s–1960s  

Condition: Excellent 

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

Dimensions:  

Basket: 14 in H X 13.5 in. W X 4 in. D

Basket Base: 8.5 in. L X 10 in. W (knot-to-knot 13 in.) 

Straps: Approximately 33 in. L 

Reference: Philippine Basketry - An Appreciation by Robert F. Lane (pgs. 80 & 90). Philippine backpacks are featured in the permanent collections at The Met, the Fowler Museum at UCLA and the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures at University of Illinois.