Pre-Colonial Artifacts in the Philippines

Pre-Colonial Art

• The Flake Tool was used during the Old Stone Age, specifically at the Espinosa Ranch Site, Cagayan, dating back to 16000-8000 BC.
• Stone and Shell Adzes were used during the New Stone Age, found in Cagayan, Palawan, Isabela, and Pampanga, around 2680 BC.
• The polished stone adzes, oval in cross-section, were made and used during the Early Neolithic period.
• The Manunggul Jar, dated to 895-775 BC, features curvilinear scroll designs and a boat with two human figures on its lid, symbolizing a voyage to the afterlife.
• The Lingling-o, a type of ear pendant, was used during the Metal Age, found in Duyong Cave, Palawan.
• Earthenware pots, resembling human figures, were used for secondary burial during the Metal Age, around 5 BC-225 AD.
• The Maitum Jars, featuring unique facial expressions, were used during the Metal Age, found in Ayub Cave, Saranggani Province.
• Baybayin, a Tagalog ancient script, was derived from Brahmic scripts of India and first recorded in the 16th century.

Unchanged Art Designs

• The Okir, a design or pattern often rendered in curvilinear lines and Arabic geometric figures, is an artistic design of the Maranao before the Islamization of the area.
• The Sarimanok, a legendary bird, is a symbol of good fortune and features colorful wings and feathered tail, often depicted with scroll, leaf, and spiral motifs.

Spanish Colonial Art

• Introduced formal Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, inspired by Byzantine, Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo art styles, from 1521-1898 AD.

Brief History of Philippine Arts

• Pre-Colonial Art Period (1685 BC-1520 AD): Local communities established, and art started to have decorative elements, meaning, and context.
• Spanish Colonial Art Period (1521-1898 AD)
• American Colonial Art Period
• Post War Colonial Art Period
• Contemporary Art Period