The design's baybayin writing translates to Free Palestine.
This design draws its inspiration from the story of the Palestinian crocodile extinction, a tale steeped in colonial violence, exploitation, and dispossession. According to an article from the Institute for Palestine Studies, the extinction of these crocodiles is deeply entangled with the brutal histories of colonial resource extraction, racialized labour exploitation, and the displacement of indigenous populations. The last known Palestinian crocodile's demise, officially marked in 1935 by a Zionist zoologist, symbolizes the destructive impact of colonialism on both human and non-human life.
This Palestinian narrative resonates deeply with the Tapar revolution in Iloilo, Philippines. During this uprising, Spanish colonizers executed Babaylans—Indigenous spiritual leaders—and desecrated their bodies by feeding them to crocodiles, an act intended to mock and undermine Indigenous reverence for these creatures. By featuring the crocodile on this t-shirt, we honour the intertwined struggles against colonial oppression, standing in solidarity with all who resist erasure and fight for liberation.
A huge credit and pasasalamat goes to Kira the Oddist for this beautiful design and story. Follow Kira's work @kiratheoddist!
For more resources on Filipino and Palestine solidarity, please check out the following:
Proceeds
100% of the profits from this merch ($12 for each tote) will go to Palestinian mutual aid efforts, including Little Gaza in Quezon City, Philippines, and supporting the Khattab family in getting Khaled and Tareq out of Gaza. For the updated donation amounts and transparency report, please check out this link.
Product Features
- White/Cream, 100% natural cotton canvas
- Lightweight Tote
- Dimensions: 13 x 15 inches; 8" drop
