A long hand broom being sold by a California-based tribal art shop online caught the attention of some Filipinos on social media. Lawyer Emil Marañon on May 18 posted screengrabs of a webpage of Morgan Oakes Gallery which sells “authentic tribal art, decor, fashion and custom bases.” The webpage featured a long, soft broom from the Philippines, which is said to have been made from reed and natural fibers in the 20th century.
It is being sold for US $575. US $1 is equivalent to P58 in today’s current exchange rate. The broom has a space in the middle, indicating it is already worn out from usage.
Full soft brooms have bristles shaped like a triangle. Over time, some bristles get loose from the handle due to constant usage, leaving the broom to appear like the one Marañon showed on social media. “Who’s gonna tell them white people???” he wrote on the X (formerly Twitter) platform with a rolling-on-the-floor laughing emoji.
His post has earned 4,700 likes, 1,000 reposts and over 80 comments on the replies thread. “20th-century naman daw, lol,” an online user commented, referring to the broom’s steep price. “It’s vintage, hence the price po!” another X user exclaimed.
Others wondered if they should also sell their Filipino household items. “Ampagkakaminahal? Is this my pagyaman opportunity? Sell rich people aesthetic Pinoy things?” another X user said. “Perfect daw kasi ‘yung pagkakahati sa gitna.
Maitabi na nga mga used walis tambo namin,” c.