This ensemble was created in Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines, by Bagobo women who traditionally wove abaca cloth using fiber from the stems of a cultivated species of a locally grown banana plant. Through a complex process of harvesting, spinning, dyeing, and weaving, Bagobo women have created this stiff abaca cloth in intricate warp ikat patterns for centuries. The brightly dyed cotton cloth and threads and the colorful glass beads appliqued to the surface were highly valued trade goods. The ensemble are especially fine examples of Bagobo artistry, from the finely woven ikat abaca cloth to the pieces of appliqued red, blue, and white cotton cloth overlayed with intricate patterns of embroidered red, yellow, and blue threads. Brilliant white seed beads outline the edges of the ensemble and the bag, forming geometric and vegetal patterns with yellow and light blue bead work. Rows of metallic sequins on the bag would have added a dynamic element of reflected light.

---