Bemban Handicrafts
Bemban Handicrafts
Bemban Handicrafts by Odu Ongkokos and Juvita Ghani from Kampung Kinosusu, Topokon – Tamparuli.
They are the talented makers of the unique bayung.
The Only Weavers
Odu (which means ‘grandmother’) Ongkokos and Juvita are the only two residents from their village who still hand-weave the bayung – a skill passed down from one generation to the next. Unlike most woven baskets, the bayung is flexible yet sturdy. It can be flattened, making it easy to store and is lightweight. Apart from baskets, the hand-weaving duo also creates a variety of trays using the same
techniques.
What's Bayung?
Bayung is a traditional multipurpose basket, made from the bemban (Donax canniformis) – a type of wild grass that grows in swampy areas or paddy fields.
Juvita hand-weaves the bayung – a skill passed down from one generation to the next. And unlike most woven baskets, the bayung is flexible yet sturdy. It can be flattened, making it easy to store and is lightweight. Apart from baskets, the hand-weaving duo also creates a variety of trays using the same techniques.
