Type: Intangible Heritage (Traditional craftsmanship)
Location: Sto. Cristo, Baliwag, Bulacan
(c) Google
Brief Description
Imbute or bone inlay is a traditional craftsmanship from Baliwag in furniture-making industry wherein carabao bones are inlaid in the wooden furniture as decorative embellishments. The Cunanan Street in Sto. Cristo, Baliwag was the area where this industry flourished.
Significance
The Baliwag furniture-making industry stands out because of the aesthetically appealing bone inlay. Reminiscent of the ivories used in furniture as decorative elements, the Baliwag bone inlay furniture was influenced by the European style as well.
Imbute as a traditional technique of decorating furniture has been around since 19th century based on the account that a set of chest drawers was commissioned by a family in San Miguel to be exhibited in Europe in the late 1800s.
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