Their diverse rainforest home is being relentlessly destroyed and replaced with palm oil plantations by large corporates. The Penan are left homeless, starving and at risk of diseases that used to be controlled by natural remedies.
Their talent as weavers is world reknown and it is this skill that we market to help them cope with the challenges they face. Their age old traditional weaving has had new life breathed into it to bring you the contemporary designs you’ll see as you explore the site. The patterns on the bags are etched in the memories of generations of women, passed down from mother to daughter throughout generations, strengthening family bonds and nourishing pride in their craft. Each item has been handwoven with patience, skill and love.
Money raised helps support the Penan children returning to school with sheets, books, uniforms, sanitary items and more. We assist with transport, medical advice and care as well as projects at village level. Education is essential for them to cope with their changing world.
Their diverse rainforest home is being relentlessly destroyed and replaced with palm oil plantations by large corporates. The Penan are left homeless, starving and at risk of diseases that used to be controlled by natural remedies.
Their talent as weavers is world reknown and it is this skill that we market to help them cope with the challenges they face. Their age old traditional weaving has had new life breathed into it to bring you the contemporary designs you’ll see as you explore the site. The patterns on the bags are etched in the memories of generations of women, passed down from mother to daughter throughout generations, strengthening family bonds and nourishing pride in their craft. Each item has been handwoven with patience, skill and love.
Money raised helps support the Penan children returning to school with sheets, books, uniforms, sanitary items and more. We assist with transport, medical advice and care as well as projects at village level. Education is essential for them to cope with their changing world.
Recyclable pallet strapping is the modern weaving substitute to the traditional rattan; it’s durable, washable (yes, you can simply rinse your bags) and comes in amazing eye-catching colours. We're putting a new spin on an age-old craft.
For the ardent collector we have our traditional rattan range. This natural fibre takes over 3 months to harvest, prepare, soak in plant dyes and is sometimes even buried in the soil to achieve the desired colour!
Each bag carries a certificate of authenticity with the name of the weaver so you know exactly who made your special bag. Its of the finest quality. Each item goes through a Quality Control process before shipping.
Kia ora I'm Jacky, Founder of Borneo Bags
My daughters and I created Borneo Bags to support the last remaining semi nomadic tribe in South East Asia, the Penan, in their fight for survival against deforestation.
We cannot help everybody, but our belief is that everybody can help some. And your support will get us a long way. We are a small kiwi family-run business, based in Mount Eden, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Recyclable pallet strapping is the modern weaving substitute to the traditional rattan; it’s durable, washable (yes, you can simply rinse your bags) and comes in amazing eye-catching colours. We're putting a new spin on an age-old craft.
For the ardent collector we have our traditional rattan range. This natural fibre takes over 3 months to harvest, prepare, soak in plant dyes and is sometimes even buried in the soil to achieve the desired colour!
Each bag carries a certificate of authenticity with the name of the weaver so you know exactly who made your special bag. Its of the finest quality. Each item goes through a Quality Control process before shipping.
Kia ora I'm Jacky, Founder of Borneo Bags
My daughters and I created Borneo Bags to support the last remaining semi nomadic tribe in South East Asia, the Penan, in their fight for survival against deforestation.
We cannot help everybody, but our belief is that everybody can help some. And your support will get us a long way. We are a small kiwi family-run business, based in Mount Eden, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
RNZ - Kiwi handbag enterprise helps semi-nomadic Borneo tribe
Blog posts
How Penan Villagers Sustain Their Families by Harvesting Jungle Leaves
When there are no weaving orders, Penan villagers in Borneo gather jungle leaves to make rice-wrapping rolls. Learn how this simple, sustainable practice helps support their families—and what threa...
Forest Defenders: How Indigenous People Protect Borneo's Rainforests
In Borneo, Indigenous communities are standing up to deforestation, fighting to protect their forest, culture, and vital biodiversity.
🌿 The Journey of a Crossbody Bag: From Jungle to You
Uniquely woven in the jungle with natural rattan and finished with adjustable leather straps—each bag is a story of tradition, beauty, and craftsmanship.