Talismanic shirt

Philippines, southern or central Luzon, 19th century
Cotton
Asian Civilisations Museum [1999-01406]

Both sides of this shirt are inscribed with protective drawings as well as liturgical terms and phrases in Spanish and Latin. It was believed that a shirt like this could make a person invulnerable, if the wearer prepared correctly by fasting and following a special regimen.

Amulets are an integral part of Filipino culture. While this shirt was made for a Christian, such shirts have their roots in traditions across Southeast Asia, which were also employed in Hindu-Buddhism and Islam. Protection through the use of talismans (called anting-anting or agimat in the Philippines) was continued by those who converted to Christianity.