Contemporary Philippine Arts: Sculpture Techniques

Study Notes

Sculpture

Sculpture is a three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining hard materials like stone, metal, glass, or wood, or plastic materials like clay, textiles, polymers, and softer metals.
Carving is one of the techniques used in sculpture.

Ifugao Sculpture

Bul-ul are carved Anito figures that represent ancestral spirits and granary gods, and are considered guardians of the harvest.
Hagabi is a chair made of wood (Narra) that represents power; an individual who owns this chair is considered part of the highest class in society.

Maranao Sculpture

Torogan is the ancestral home of Maranao's Sultan or Datu, featuring decorative art described as graceful and rhythmical.
Panolong is a carved end beam of Torogan.
Sarimanok sculptures represent a fowl with wings, feathered tail, and a head decorated with ornaments of scrolled and painted motifs; they usually stand on a fish and another one hangs from its beak.

Pottery

Pottery is an object shaped from wet clay and then hardened by baking, including both decorative and practical items like bowls, vases, dishes, and lamps.
Pottery in the Philippines varies in forms and functions, with forms directly influenced by functions and tradition of the community.

Philippine Pottery

Palayok is a clay pot used for traditional food preparation in the Philippines.
Manunggul Jars are found in Tabon Cave at Lipuun Point, Palawan, and are commonly used for burial; they are considered one of the national treasures of the Philippines.

Weaving

Weaving means making cloth and other objects by passing threads or strands of material under and over each other.
Weaving in the Philippines has different forms, functions, and materials, varying in designs and techniques used.
Common forms of weaving in the Philippines include hats, mats, bags, baskets, and textiles (clothes and blankets).

Maranao Weaving

Malong bear okir designs, which are ornamental designs that include scroll and geometric patterns.
Okir a Datu is a gentlemen's design featuring spiral patterns.
Okir a Bay is a ladies' design featuring zigzag and angular patterns.
Tapis is a traditional cloth originating from Ifugao, worn by wrapping it around one's waist and holding the ends together.

Description

Explore the world of three-dimensional art through sculpture techniques like carving, used to shape various materials such as stone, metal, and wood. Learn about the basics of sculpture and its role in Contemporary Philippine Arts.