Woman's blouse (dagum)

The indigenous women of Mindanao are known for making finely ornamented blouses. No longer worn daily, these distinctive garments are used on special occasions and are markers of identity and pride. This blouse was made by Mandaya women who live in Davao Oriental and surrounding provinces in southwest Mindanao.

Mandaya blouses frequently have a red body with blue or black sleeves as well as a dark band around the waist. While examples from the early twentieth century are made of abaca, later examples are from cotton ornamented with dense needlework and tufts of thread. The back of the blouse has a tightly filled field of embroidered geometric patterns. A different pattern is embroidered along the top of the shoulder and backs of the sleeves of the blouse.