These Modern-Pinoy Throw Pillows Are Made By a Babaylan
A shaman from the Manobo tribe hand-embroiders symbols and prayers into these pillows
We often buy throw pillows as an afterthought, getting generic, mass-produced cushions from the mall. Now what if you got proudly Philippine-made throw pillows by Mano Home instead, embroidered with ancient symbols by an actual babaylan—wouldn’t that put a whole new level of meaning to your home?
These are the types of pillows hand-embroidered by Robelyn Coguit Canto, a babaylan or shaman and traditional leader of the Manobo tribe of Agusan del Sur. Robelyn hand-sews these symbols that are rich with ancient wisdom while in a state of prayer; this in turn permeates each pillow case with blessings.
Mano Home’s products are made to show that modern spaces can still showcase the beauty of ancient Filipino rituals, and these items also serve as reminders of our connection to nature and the spiritual realm.
The products also help out a social enterprise, as the pillowcases, which are made of Italian linen, are sewn by a livelihood center for women in Taguig City, while the embroidery supports scholars of the tribe, and the rangers who protect forest around them.
Mano Home Pillows cost P3,500 each, and come with a card that explains the symbols. From November onwards, avail of their pre-Christmas promo, where you will get a 20% discount for orders of two or more pillows. Follow them on Instagram @manohomeph or email them at manohomeph[at]gmail.com.
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