The walis tambo has become emblematic of Filipino culture, having been an essential part of our homes for centuries now. Characterized by a long wooden handle and dried reeds, it's virtually impossible to not have one lying in a corner or stocked in a closet.
While the walis is widely available all over the country, antique retailer Morgan Oakes Gallery has a version of it that has quite the eyebrow-raising price tag.
Morgan Oakes Gallery Sells a P33,000 "Walis Tambo"
On their website, Morgan Oakes Gallery listed a "Hand Broom" for $575, which is over P33,000. They state that the piece was sourced from the Philippines in the 20th century and measures 65 x 23 cm. The "brush" part of the broom is noticeably split in the middle.
Philippine Hand Broom, $575 (approximately P33,412.39), morganoakes.com
Netizens React to the P33,000 "Walis Tambo"
Netizens were quite perplexed by the item, with many taken aback by the over-the-top price. "Is this my pagyaman opportunity? Sell rich people aesthetic Pinoy things?" one wrote on X.
Someone already did the math and had a surprised-looking GIF do all of the talking. These kinds of brooms are typically associated as pasalubong from Baguio, and normally go for cheap. The approximate price made our jaws drop, too!
Others poked fun at the item's seemingly overused appearance. "Pudpod na yan e, binebenta pa hahahaha. Makakalipad ka ba pag ginamit mo yan," one stated in jest.
Another X user was certain that their mom, as Pinoys naturally are, would chastise them for spending that much cash on a seemingly simple broom. One said that they could easily replicate the antique piece's appearance after using a regular walis for a month.
Since Morgan Oakes already has the walis tambo up for grabs, one netizen thought of putting up a walis tingting on the site as well.
One user made a comment on how people from Western countries are easily fascinated by things we Filipinos usually have in our homes.
Though, other netizens were defensive of the broom's price tag, emphasizing that it has historical value. "I see something that was made with care and intricately done... But do go on with your 'white people' rhetoric. At least they can see value in something we don't," one expressed.
What do you think? Would you shell out more than P33,000 for this walis tambo?
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