AVÀÇ

The Bontok construct baskets of bamboo, abaca, and rattan. No surface decoration is used beyond the natural pattern of the weave.

Bontok storage baskets are generally narrow towards the mouth and bulge at the waist.The shape given to rice baskets supposedly mimics that of ancient Chinese porcelain jars, which are considered precious. Like the Ifugao kalbong and ulbong, these are single-rod coiled baskets.

The black color of Bontok storage baskets, like that of the Ifugao's, results from the special heat-conserving construction of the houses. There are no windows, and the smoke from the hearth tends to permeate the small structure, resulting in a sooty black finish on many objects that remain indoors.

Lunch boxes are an important item, and come in many sizes and shapes.

Because of the rugged terrain, the Bontok carry most of their produce and equipment to field or village on their backs, shoulders, or heads (see backpack). Women may employ two open-topped square or round rattan containers called tallak and lavfa which are carred on the head; the latter is smaller but deeper than the former. Men use a back basket called the pasking which has two carrying straps attached on one side. They may also carry a shoulder pole with a lavfa at either end; this is called a khimata.