Tboli Arts : An Appreciation
One collector's perspective on the artistic majesty of a proud and beautiful people
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Kegal Bensewit - the most regal, formal and important of the garments owned by a Tboli woman. Look closely and you will see that the tiny white ornaments are actually made of hand-carved mother-of-pearl. The beads on this blouse and their patterns have been passed down through several generations. Each time the cloth wore thin, every individual bead was removed and carefully replaced onto a fresh garment, with the utmost care to preserve the exact original pattern created by the exact mother-of-pearl jewels. The kegal bensewit is worn during only the most important occasions. The collection is honored by its presence.