Fine piña fibers, also known as "𝙨𝙖𝙜-𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙣" in the local language, are stripped from the red Spanish pineapple leaves, measuring approximately 1 meter in length. 𝙎𝙖𝙜-𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙣 are knotted to create a long continuous fiber called “𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙠’. The “𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙜𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙜-𝙤𝙩” are women knotters who knot piña from one fiber to another. Following a traditional method called “𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙜-𝙤𝙩”, “𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙜𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙜-𝙤𝙩” ensures that the knots are strong enough to withstand the weaving process.

The piña plant produces two types of extremely fine fibers: “𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙨” and “𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙬𝙖𝙣”. 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙨 fiber has only 33.40 - 36.03 tensile strength (kgf/g.m.) and 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙬𝙖𝙣 fiber has 35.25 - 36.40 tensile strength according to Philippine National Standard(PNS/BAFS 318:2021). Each has a unique practice in which each “𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙜𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙜-𝙤𝙩” has preference and accustomed to doing only one. 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙨 fibers, which are coarser in texture, are brushed or "𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙝𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙮" to clean and separate them further. On the other hand, 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙬𝙖𝙣 fibers, which are finer and more delicate, undergo an additional process called '𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙞'. This process involves separating each hair-thin fiber from the bundle before knotting. Knotting is a crucial stage in the Aklan Piña value chain and is done using primitive tools such as bamboo stick or “𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙬𝙣𝙖𝙣”, sharp bamboo skin or “𝙝𝙖𝙮𝙪𝙢𝙖” as cutter, and clay pot or “𝙠𝙪𝙚𝙤𝙣” as storage. Women specialize in this art and perform it near windows or doors, and balconaje or balcony where they can access natural light throughout the day.

The knotting process begins with fibers being laterally tied onto a bamboo stick and slanted against a wall. The knotter then pulls one strand at a time, tying it using the traditional Sheet bend or Weaver's knot method. After knotting, excess fibers are cut using sharp bamboo skins to create seamless strands that are easier to weave. The knotted fibers are then carefully dropped into a clay pot to prevent them from tangling. Clear eyesight, precision, and a passionate intention to produce long, continuous strands of knotted fiber are essential commitments to this craft. A wrong knot or grading of fiber can significantly affect the quality of the final fabric produced.

Piña is historically branded as the Queen of Philippine fabrics due to its intricate production process, delicate nature, and exquisite beauty just like the women of Aklan piña community.

We honor our women knotters! Happy National Women’s month!

#WEcanbeEquALL #NWMC2024 #WomenOfPiña #piña #RPCP #NationalWomensMonth #WomensMonth #WEcanbeEquALL