Forum to tackle nudity and fashion in precolonial Visayas

Clothing, or the lack of it, among natives in precolonial Visayas is among the topics to be discussed by scholars and heritage experts in a blended event celebrating the #Cebu500 years of the arrival of Christianity, the Victory at Mactan and Cebu being part of the first circumnavigation of the world.

The experts will take a closer look on the Pintados' economic situation and social classes; jewelry and accessories; tattoos, clothing and nudity; weapons, amulets and instruments.
These are some highlights in the panel discussion, “Law-ay? Laysho? Nudity and Fashion in Precolonial Visayas”, on March 20, 2021, 3pm, at Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel.

University of San Carlos (USC) professor Dr. George Emmanuel Borrinaga, a Visayas historian with a PhD in History from the United Kingdom’s University of Hull, will look into the socio-economic factors influencing the precolonial Visayan fashion and the impact of Spanish colonization on native life.

University of the Philippines (UP) Fine Arts Professor Jay Nathan Jore will tackle the precolonial Visayan concept of art and beauty; and the design, materials and functionality of their body ornaments.
In addition, Ms. Ma. Cecilia Cabañes, Museo Sugbo Curator and Chair of the Central Visayas Association of Museums will showcase artifacts such as jewelry and fashion implements in the collection of Cebu museums.

Gavin Bagares of the heritage group, Hamiling Binilin (Hambin) will give his insights on the discussion.

During the event, there will also be a physical Precolonial Fashion Modeling Contest which will showcase the native Visayan fashion. A video on the “Brassmasters of Lake Sebu” by Social Communications Asia’s Prospero Laput featuring traditional jewelry-making of the indigenous peoples will be shown.

There will also be a Trivia Quiz with prizes on Visayan heritage and an awarding of winners for the Reaction Video-making Contest on a video regarding some *** practices of precolonial Visayans.

The event is co-sponsored by National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Quincentennial Committee, UP Cebu College of Communication, Art and Design, USC School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design, USC Department of Anthropology, Sociology and History, Museo Sugbo, Central Visayas Association of Museums, Diyandi Heritage Center, ArtCebu, and Bisdak Pride.

It will be live streamed through the official Facebook page of Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel and its event sponsors.