2013

Poster made as part of Escolta St. Snatcher's Social Club's exhibit Folked Up: A Celebration of Saints and Souls. Created in Photoshop.

The duwende are the Philippines equivalent of hobgoblins and dwarves. These are tiny human-like creatures that live underground. There are two main types of duwende: the ones who are supposedly kind creatures who bring about good luck, or the ones who are mean folk that like to play pranks on humans. They generally keep to themselves and only interact with humans when their homes are disturbed. For example, a kindly farmer who takes care of their plot may be rewarded by the duwende with a greater abundance of crops than usual. However, someone who kicks an anthill on or near the home of a duwende will be punished with a myriad of ailments from twisted mouth to swollen testicles. The best way to avoid duwende of any kind is to say aloud “Tabi-tabi po” (roughly translated to a respectful "Excuse me") before entering what might be their space.

Sources: Top 10 Scariest Filipino Monsters and Philippines Mythology and Folklore

Escolta St. Snatcher's Social Club is a Chicago-based Filipinx artist collective.