Malaysia · Openwork Rattan-Style Basketry
Anyaman Ribu-Ribu
Ribu-ribu is a Rungus openwork weaving technique from Kudat, Sabah, producing baskets, tiered food containers, table mats, vases, and bags in a distinctive pierced lattice structure. The weaver works named geometric stitch patterns — including tulang belut ("eel bone") and mata punai ("dove's eye") — into an open, see-through weave rather than the closed surface of mat or bag weaving, and often combines the finished ribu-ribu structure with Rungus bead embroidery (sulaman manik) worked directly onto the woven form. The technique is distinct from Linangkit (embroidered trim) and Sulaman Pis (headgear embroidery), the other two named Rungus textile crafts documented separately in this archive, despite all three originating from the same community.
Risk level: Endangered · Not inscribed
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