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Object Timeline

1919

  • We acquired this object.

2013

2024

  • You found it!

Woman's Blouse (Philippines)

This is a Woman's blouse. It is dated 19th century and we acquired it in 1919. Its medium is piña (pineapple) cloth and its technique is whitework embroidery. It is a part of the Textiles department.

This intricately embroidered piña cloth camisa from the Philippines is a testament to the unique textile traditions of this former Spanish colony. Piña cloth is made from the leaves of the pineapple plant (specifically the Red Spanish variety) that are grown and cultivated in the Visayan region of the Philippines. The leaves are hand-stripped to reveal gossamer-thin fibers that are painstakingly hand-knotted to create longer filaments for weaving. The weaving of piña threads is an equally lengthy process due to the almost microscopic diameter of the fibers and warping the loom can take up to twenty days. These delicate fibers cannot withstand power looms; handlooms with foot-operated treadles must be used.

Due to the laborious cultivation, extraction and production processes involved in making piña cloth, the fabric was primarily enjoyed by the upper classes. During the nineteenth century, the traditional costume for well-to-do women comprised of the camisa and the panuelo, (an embroidered scarf also made of piña cloth worn over the shoulders), over full western-style skirts enhanced by petticoats. Today, piña is largely reserved for special occasions, such as high society events and government functions.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled Piña Camisa.

This object was donated by Joseph Howland Hunt. It is credited Gift of Joseph Howland Hunt.

Its dimensions are

H x W: 50.2 x 137.2 cm (19 3/4 in. x 54 in.)

Cite this object as

Woman's Blouse (Philippines); piña (pineapple) cloth; H x W: 50.2 x 137.2 cm (19 3/4 in. x 54 in.); Gift of Joseph Howland Hunt; 1919-11-1

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18205815/ |title=Woman's Blouse (Philippines) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=23 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>