RISD MUSEUM hosts “From Pineapple to Pañuelo: Philippine Textiles” through August 24, 2025. In the 1800s and early 1900s, semitransparent textiles known as piña (made from pineapple leaf fibers) and abacá (woven from banana plant fibers) were particularly prized by elite Filipinos, later becoming popular souvenirs for European and American ethnographers and tourists. These lightweight fabrics, made into garments and accessories and then lavishly embroidered, are ideal for the hot, humid climate of the Philippines. This exhibition presents a selection of piña and abacá works from the RISD Museum’s collection, highlighting the complex production and high level of skill found in their weaving and embroidering. The museum also presents “Brighten Up! Contemporary Enamels” through June 14, 2026. Shown: Woman’s Blouse (Bado), of Abacá (banana-plant fiber), bast fiber, mother-of-pearl disks, metal sequins, ca. 1800-1900. Shawl (Pañuelo) of Piña (pineapple-leaf fiber) with cotton appliqué, c. 1800-1900. Gift of Mrs. James Comly McCoy.
20 North Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903; 401.454.6500; www.risdmuseum.org.