Trousers
Place of OriginMindanao, Philippines
Date1875-1900
CultureBlaan people
MaterialsAbaca, shell
DimensionsH. 18 in x W. 27 in, H. 45.7 cm x W. 68.6 cm
Credit LineGift of the Black family in memory of Rev. and Mrs. Robert F. Black
Object number2011.62
DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art
ClassificationsTextiles
On View
Not on viewThese short pants are typical of men’s trousers in the southern Philippines, which were often made of abaca, a fiber from a banana plant. The red and black pinstripe of the fabric is a specialty of the B’laan, who are also known for their fine embroidery. The pants are ornamented with hand-cut shell sequins, evidence of trade with lowland coastal communities.
We can guess the age of this pair of men’s trousers because they were collected by the Reverend Robert F. Black, who moved to Mindanao in the Southern Philippines in 1902 as a missionary.
1850-1925
approx. 1850-1920
1750-1850
approx. 1950
1875-1900
approx. 1950-1970
approx. 1950
approx. 1900-1950
approx. 1930