Philippine Pre-Colonial Art Quiz

Pre-Conquest Philippine Art

• Pre-conquest art refers to art created before colonizers arrived. Indigenous art is another term for it.
• Pre-colonial is another term that describes life before colonization. These terms are essentially the same, although knowing the distinctions is useful when studying art history.
• Pre-colonial Filipinos viewed art as an integral part of daily life. It wasn't separated into categories like music, painting, or other genres.
• Art was incorporated into community rituals like planting, harvesting, weddings, and funerals.
• These rituals encompassed diverse artistic expressions, including pottery, weaving, carving, metalwork, and jewelry.
• Many elements combined beauty, skill, and spiritual meaning. This continues to influence present-day traditions.
• Ancestors were hunter-gatherers who shared hunted food and told stories about the hunt. Animal movements and sounds were imitated, leading to the beginnings of rituals, music, dance, theater, and literature.
• Prayers before hunts emerged as rituals, while sharing food turned into a tradition. Storytelling marked the start of literature.

Islamic Colonial Art (13th Century to Present)

• Islam was strong in the Southern Philippines, especially Sulu before Spanish arrival.
• Growth started in the 13th century, though significant changes began in the 15th century with the arrival of Sayyid Abbubakar from Arabia.
• He married a princess, and after her father's death, became the ruler of Sulu.
• He created the Sultanate of Sulu.
• He introduced the Quran, built a mosque, and established a madrasa to teach Arabic writing in the 16th century.
• People from Zamboanga and the Yakans of Basilan converted to Islam due to teachers who travelled from Jolo, Sulu, and regions like Brunei.
• Islam's spread throughout Mindanao helped in resisting Spanish rule. The Tausug, Maranao, Maguindanao, Yakan, Samal, Badjao, and some areas in Palawan adopted Islam as a religion and way of life.

Main Beliefs of Islam and Their Influence on Art

• Filipino Muslims view themselves as part of an "ummah," a community of believers.

• They adhere to Tawhid, meaning the oneness of God, believing that nature is temporary and God's greatness transcends human comprehension.

• This belief affects art by focusing on themes beyond the material world, like patterns in mosques that steer focus towards God rather than physical imagery.

• Islamic art in the Philippines reflects this concept with non-representational patterns, designs, and architecture.

• Spaces and buildings like mosques are designed to reflect Tawhid and Islamic teachings. The mihrab (prayer niche) and Qibla wall are pointed towards Mecca to show connection with the global Muslim community.

• Local traditions influenced Islamic art, despite a restriction on copying nature. The ornate designs, like those seen in the luhul (canopy) and other structures may reflect patterns inspired by the Tree of Life but through repeated and detailed patterns, lose direct resemblance to their natural inspirations.

• Ukkil/okir designs are seen on various objects including houses, boats, weapons, and textiles of the Tausug and Sama people. These patterns point upward, suggesting a connection to heaven as a separation from the material world,

• Symbolic items like the panolong and sarimanok and the burraq are also present, symbolizing important aspects of the Islamic faith in everyday life.