Piña Fiber

Piña fiber is extracted from the leaves of the pineapple plant, Ananas comosus (Linn.) Merr. The plant, particularly the native or Red Spanish variety, has leaves that yield excellent fibers for handweaving.

"Piña", as the name suggests, is associated with the coming of the Spaniards, for it is generally believed that the pineapple was brought to our shores by the Spanish colonizers. Handwoven piña cloth then, was described as "one of the most beautiful fabrics of Manila only used in the dress of the wealthy, being too costly for common use". It was also used to pay royal tribute or poll tax imposed on the inhabitants.