Vigan’s Treasures: Pottery and Loom Weaving

While Vigan city is more popular as being a UNESCO Heritage site, the place has much more to offer to tourists. This is especially true for visitors interested in arts and crafts as Vigan is also home to a pottery-making technique called pagbuburnay; and a loom-weaving technique which product is called abel.

Burnay Pots and Jars

The jars and pots made in Vigan are called burnay, considered a very durable clay-based product from Vigan, while the technique of making these pots is called pagbuburnay. This technique of pagbuburnay uses a specific clay found in Vigan and was pioneered by Chinese immigrants, and passed on from generation to generation among local pottery-makers.

Our Visit at a Burnay Factory

We visited RG Jar Factory where burnay pots and jars are made in mass. The staff at the factory were very accommodating. They offered us the chance to try pottery-making but we were all too shy try it. So, instead, we spent our time touring their place.

We were impressed with the things we found at their back area. There were about a hundred burnay jars and pots of different sizes and shapes stored. Then further down, we saw their oven, a tunnel-like structure with its opening large enough to fit a tall man. It was really interesting to see where and how these burnay pots and jars are made.

Uses of Burnay Pots and Jars

These jars and pots were traditionally used for storing water, basi wine, grains, shrimp pastes, and tea leaves. These days they have become in-demand as decorations in houses and gardens.

Loom-woven Textile in Vigan: Abel

Their loom-weaving technique is a unique and complicated process of weaving cotton to produce a textile called abel. It involves the use of a wooden loom that operates requiring careful hand and feet coordination. This skill was taught and passed on for generations among local weavers.

During our visit, we were shown how abel was made and was offered to try weaving. And again, no one was brave enough to dare, out of fear of ruining the design.

Uses of Abel Products

Other Filipino textiles are reserved for formal wear and decorations, but abel can be used for more casual purposes and functions like blankets, towels, and placemats.

Recommended Abel Products

I highly recommend their blankets because of their soft, light, and durable characteristics. I know some of my friends and relatives prefer to use these blankets, even myself. In tropical countries like the Philippines, we use it as everyday blankets. It is light enough for the hot weather but gives enough warmth and cover when sleeping at colder nights. In colder countries, these can used in summer months for the same purpose.

My mom and my aunt bought some pieces of blankets and table covers for use at our homes. They also purchased a few more of the items to serve as late Christmas gifts for friends and other relatives.

Buying Abel Products

If you are interested to buy abel products, I suggest you buy it during your visit at the local shop. They are a lot cheaper because you get it straight from the craftsmen themselves as there is no shipping fee or added fees from resellers.

Encouraging arts and crafts enthusiasts

I strongly recommend visiting Vigan city for those who are interested in arts and crafts. In both places we visited they allow visitors to try to do their craft firsthand even for a few minutes. They are very much willing to share their skills and knowledge about their craft. Vigan is a perfect place to see for those who are interested in learning more about the Philippines’ local craftsmanship.