Readings in Philippine History Lesson 5

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Questions and Answers

What was the total amount of the salary-related debt cleared from His Honor Namwaran?

1 kati and 10 suwarna

1 kati and 8 suwarna (correct)

2 kati

1 kati and 5 suwarna

Which title refers to the individual who issued the clearance of the debt?

The Chief of Puliran

The Leader of Binuangan

The Chief of Dewata (correct)

The Chief of Ma-i

Which of the following terms identifies the place names mentioned in the inscription?

Synonyms

Toponyms (correct)

Chrononyms

Anthroponyms

What is the significance of the Laguna Copperplate Inscription?

It is the oldest known documented artifact in Philippine history. Signup and view all the answers

What origin does Postma attribute to the toponyms Binuangan, Pailah, and Puliran?

Malayo-Polynesian Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the book 'CHU-FAN-CHI' published?

1225 Signup and view all the answers

What was the date carved on the Laguna Copperplate Inscription?

April 21, 900 AD Signup and view all the answers

What peculiar feature did Chau Ju-Kua note about the bronze images found in the wilderness?

They were of unknown origin Signup and view all the answers

Who described the Laguna Copperplate Inscription as a 'crumpled, blacken, thin piece of metal'?

Antoon Postma Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is noted about the creatures living near the creek in the description provided by Chau Ju-Kua?

They have curly hair Signup and view all the answers

What materials were the characters of the Laguna Copperplate Inscription written in?

Indonesian Indic Script Signup and view all the answers

What languages were likely used in the Laguna Copperplate Inscription?

Ancient Tagalog, Sanskrit, and Javanese Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts did Postma suggest needed careful study for understanding the inscription's context?

Toponyms and personal names Signup and view all the answers

Who was honored with a document of full acquittal according to the Laguna Copperplate Inscription?

Lady Angkatan Signup and view all the answers

Which scholars contributed to proving the exact date of the Laguna Copperplate Inscription?

Hector Santos and Antoon Postma Signup and view all the answers

What is included in 'The Philippine Islands' by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson?

Primary source documents for Philippine history Signup and view all the answers

What types of goods did traders exchange with the natives of Ma-i?

Porcelains and weapons Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the years 878 and 982 AD in relation to the maritime trade?

They marked a change in maritime trade between ancient China and Ma-i. Signup and view all the answers

What are the notable products of Ma-i mentioned in the passage?

Pearls, cotton, and coconuts Signup and view all the answers

Which studies conducted by which individual acknowledge early Filipino society?

Chu Fan-chi by Chau Ju-kua Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the interactions between the natives of Ma-i and Chinese traders?

To engage in trade rather than invasion Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Philippine Society and First Spanish Contact

Studying pre-colonial Philippines is challenging due to limited surviving documents.
"The Philippine Islands" is a monumental 55-volume book by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson, containing translated primary source materials vital for understanding Philippine history.

Laguna Copperplate Inscription (LCI)

The Laguna Copperplate Inscription is the oldest documented artifact from pre-colonial Philippines, dated April 21, 900 AD.
It is described as a thin, crumpled copper plate measuring 20 by 30 centimeters, featuring hammered inscriptions in Indonesian Indic script.
Historians believe the LCI was brought from Indonesia to Laguna Bay, Metro Manila.
The inscription includes information about a document clearing a salary-related debt owed by a person named Namwaran.
Key figures mentioned include Lady Angkatan and the Chief of Tundun.
The language used is primarily Ancient Tagalog, with influences from Sanskrit or Javanese.
Scholar Antoon Postma translated the LCI and identified vital place names (toponyms) for understanding the political and topographical context of the period.

Chinese Accounts of Early Philippines

"Chu-fan-chi," published in 1225 by Chinese nobleman Chau Ju-Kua, describes Philippine islands and trade practices.
The text mentions a region called Ma-i, north of Borneo, thriving with trading families engaged in commerce.
Notable trade goods include pearls, cotton, coconuts, fish, handicrafts, and weapons, exchanged for porcelain and metals.
Ma-i is possibly the earliest recorded name for Mindoro.
Annual shifts in maritime trade occurred around 878 and 982 AD, emphasizing the importance of trade relations between ancient China and the Philippines.
The account highlights that neither the Filipino natives nor Chinese traders sought colonization or conflict; trade was the main focus.
Other areas in the text include names of islands linked to Ma-i, such as Kia-ma-yen, Pa-lau-yu, and Paki-nung, showcasing the interconnectedness of early trade networks.

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Description

Explore the early Philippine society and the initial Spanish contact in this lesson. Delve into the intricacies of pre-colonial Philippines through the limited surviving documents and primary sources that shed light on this fascinating period. Gain insights from the monumental work that compiles and translates historical documents into English.