More than a basket, the tingkep is a reflection of the life and culture of the Pala’wan, an indigenous community of the Philippines. This handicraft combines the artwork of humans and their forest. Now that there are threats to the forests of Palawan island, the Pala’wan people are also threatened by the potential loss of their homes and their traditions.

After four years, the NTFP-Task Force finally launched the Tingkep book through the support of Doen Foundation. At a Crafts and Coffee featuring Pala’wan Crafts last 31 July, authors Norli Colili and Nola Andaya presented the book to the public and to the Pala’wan People through Lito Lingaw, one of the resource people for the book. The book highlights the strong link between the community and their forest which is reflected in this traditional craft. Featured in the book are tingkep makers, Nolita and Sumbia.

During the launch, Lito Lingaw and Norli Colili shared stories about the culture of the Pala’wan to the people who came to join the celebration. Lito also shared his talent in playing the kusyapi.

The book and the tingkep baskets are now being sold at the CustomMade Crafts Center. Proceeds from the sales of the tingkep book will support the tingkep makers of Amas and Ransang, Palawan as well as fund other initiatives to document traditional crafts of other indigenous communities. To order a copy of the book, email sales@cmcrafts.org.