1914 Reyna ng Peacock Chair T-Shirt

This infamous, regal Peacock Chair has graced magazines, album covers and photo booths for decades. Before Huey P. Newton of the Black Panthers was photographed in 1968 sitting in his throne, the chair was first featured in a 1914 article published by the El Paso Herald, entitled "Jail Bird In A Peacock Chair." The article revealed that these chairs were woven by incarcerated people at Bilibid prison during the early 1900's, during American imperialism.

"These prisons, especially the Bilibid, sought to rehabilitate prisoners — ultimately aiding the cause of benevolent assimilation by portraying imprisoned Filipinos as the grateful beneficiaries of American kindness. Bilibid even became a popular tourist spot during the colonial era, furthering the image of Americans as generous colonizers."

Before the Americans took over, the Spanish established the prison system as their last effort to remain in control. "Bilibid Prison was built in Manila in 1865. At the time, it was believed to be one of the largest prisons in the entire world, with over 1,000 beds. The Spanish built several other penal institutions throughout the islands, but Bilibid served as the lifeblood of the new colonial prison system. Many of these institutions were filled with political prisoners opposed to Spanish rule."

The identity and story of this mother and child remains a mystery. The only information shared is that she was imprisoned for un-aliving her husband and gave birth to her child while incarcerated. The release of this image on the shirt recently revealed that the Black Panthers' peacock chair was purchased at a Filipino cultural market in San Francisco.

Wearing this image sparks curiosity and opens up the conversation to share the origin story of a seat that exudes elegance and power but handcrafted by the oppressed. It is also a reminder of the history of Filipino American and African American interconnectedness.

*Source: Philippine Prisons & Policing - a mini zine by Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies - UC Davis

Printed on 100% cotton unisex, short sleeve tshirt.

PREORDER available for sizes out of stock. Delivery 2-3 weeks.