Philippine Indigenous Arts and Crafts PDF

Philippine Indigenous Arts and Crafts  TPOYTER the art of making objects from clay and other ceramic materialss.  RNTTAA A sturdy material, mainly used for weaving baskets and mats.  OLOB A ubiquitous Filipino blade, often crafted b...

Philippine Indigenous Arts and Crafts  TPOYTER the art of making objects from clay and other ceramic materialss.  RNTTAA A sturdy material, mainly used for weaving baskets and mats.  OLOB A ubiquitous Filipino blade, often crafted by "Panday," which is used for farming, hunting, and historically, as a defense weapon, with variations in design across different regions..  DOWO NACRIVG a type of woodworking that involves using tools to create designs and figures in wood  OPA HWAGN-OD a traditional tattoo artist, from the Kalinga tribe in the Philippines. She is considered legendary due to her mastery of the ancient art of mambabatok and her role as the last living Kalinga tattoo master.  TOATOT a permanent design inked onto the skin, considered a form of body art that can be highly personal, often carrying deep symbolic meaning related to the wearer's life experiences, beliefs, or cultural background, acting as a visual narrative etched onto their body;.  EKBAST WNIEAVG It is constructed from bamboo and rattan and often a combination of the two GIHNSLCAKTBMI It is a centuries-old craft that has transformed from creating essential farming tools to producing intricate decorative ironwork  NLKBIOA It is a weaving technique that uses geometric patterns to create optical illusions. It's like having a magic eye puzzle on a piece of fabric. BEAHEROLYEB A technique in carving that involves carving designs into a flat wooden surface to create raised patterns or images. Philippin e Indigeno us Arts and Crafts Philippine Indigenous Arts and Crafts Art is embedded in our culture from the beginning of time up to the present. It is one thing that can never be lost in a cultue no matter what it goes through. The Philippines having rich culture, also has its share of art discovered, practice and applied in a day to day living. Each region in the phillipines has its own indigenous communities. Similarly,each of these communities has its own unique arts and crafts. In the northern Luzon, for instance the ilocanos are known for the craftmanship of the cotton fabric inabel and the folk dance of binatbatan. Weather it be visual arts, songs, dance, handicraft, clothing or pottery, each region boast an exceptional talent, skills, and creativity The earliest art form in the Philippines that may not have may not have been somewhat penetrated by western influence are music and dance. The war dance interwoven in Igorot rituals, the Ifugao funeral dance, and the Benguet victory dance are the examples of the dances in pure indigenous form. Other dances represent the daily affairs of the community such as planting, fishing, pounding rice etc. Cloth weavin g One of the most valuable living traditions that are still preserve to this day is cloth weaving. Beginning in the pre-colonial era, the art of cloth weaving, particularly of the cordillera tribes in the north, still live withstanding the threat of the more practical production of fabrics today. The natives practice backstrap loom to create blankets and piece of clothing. History of Philippine Indigenous Weaving The first historical traces of weaving in the Philippines was found in a cave in Cagayan Province and Palawan Island dated 1255 – 605 BCE. Archaeologists found a stone tool Bark- Cloth Beater used for the preparation of bark cloth that was used to pound the bark to loosen the pulp from the fiber to use for weaving textiles. History of Philippine Indigenous Weaving Filipinos used hand weaving with simple backstrap looms made of sticks and strings. These looms created beautiful and detailed patterns with great skill. With these looms, our ancestors wove patterns that reflected their daily lives and  History of Philippine Indigenous Weaving These looms, our ancestors wove patterns that reflected their daily lives and beliefs. From the radiant sun patterns of the Panay Bukidnon people to the intricate geometric designs of the Yakan tribe, each pattern told a story. Indigenous weaving shows Filipino culture, history, and strength. Every woven piece is not just cloth, but a symbol of Filipino creativity and heritage. Material for Weaving Natural and Simple Materials Philippine indigenous weaving relies on natural fibers found in the environment. These materials are durable, sustainable, and give a unique texture to woven fabrics. Main Fibers Used Abaca (Manila Hemp) – A strong fiber from a banana plant, used for clothing, bags, and baskets. Cotton – Soft and breathable, perfect for fabrics. Pineapple Fiber – Lightweight and silky, often used for fine textiles like Barong Tagalog. Rattan – A sturdy material, mainly used for weaving baskets and mats. Material for Weaving Natural Dyes for Color Indigo Plant – Produces deep blue hues. Tree Bark – Creates rich reds and browns. Other Plants & Roots – Provide shades of yellow, green, and black.  Traditional Weaving Techniques Backstrap Weaving -uses a loom strapped to the weaver’s back, requiring skill and coordination. Ikat (Tie-Dye Weaving) -a complex process that involves tying and dyeing the threads before they're woven, creating blurred, artistic patterns. Traditional Weaving Techniques Binakol -uses geometric patterns to create optical illusions. It's like having a magic eye puzzle on a piece of fabric. Importance of weaving in the Philippines Weaving in the Philippines is one of the distinctive ways of expression of arts, culture and tradition of the indigenous people. Every region of the Philippines has their own handloom tradition that has become their trademark. Importance of weaving in the Philippines Just like the Province of Aklan that is known for the Piña (Pineapple) cloth that is now hailed as the “Mother of all Philippine Textile” and commonly used in making the Philippine national costumes: Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya. Types of weaving in the Philippines Handloom weaving is the traditional way of creating beautiful and colourful Philippine textiles. The traditional weaving loom is made from bamboo and strings. It is actually fascinating to see them in action Types of weaving in the Philippines Handloom weaving is the traditional way of creating beautiful and colourful Philippine textiles. The traditional weaving loom is made from bamboo and strings. It is actually fascinating to see them in action and make beautiful fabrics out of it.  Types of weaving in the Philippines Abel weave Pinilian - is a traditional fabric -is a traditional weave from Ilocos Sur, from Ilocos, created made by the Ilocano by the Ilocano people. people.  Types of weaving in the Philippines Bontoc weaves Kalinga weaves -from Mountain -from Kalinga Province are crafted Province are made by by the Bontoc people. Mabilog Lubuagan weavers.  Types of weaving in the Philippines Hablon weaves Piña weaves -from Panay Island - from Aklan are are made by the crafted by the Kiniray-a and Aklanon people. Hiligaynon people.  Types of weaving in the Philippines Bagobo Inabal Mabal Tabih -from Davao del Sur is -from South Cotabato woven by the Bagobo is woven by the Blaan Manobo people. people.  Types of weaving in the Philippines Ramit Dagmay -from Mindoro is -from Eastern woven by the Mindanao is woven by Mangyan people. the Mandaya people.  Types of weaving in the Philippines T'nalak Maranao textiles - from South Cotabato - from Marawi, Lanao is woven by the Tboli del Sur, are woven by people. the Maranao people. Types of weaving in the Philippines Pis Syabit textiles -from Sulu are woven by the Tausug people. WOOD CARVING The Philippine sculpture is the most known art form of the filipinos. The most famous wood carving in the Philippines is the carving of the “Anitos” or the nature gods, and “Santos” or saints , and figures of Christ and the Blessed Mother Mary. History of Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving Wood carving in the Philippines dates back to pre- colonial times, meaning Filipinos were already practicing this art form long before the arrival of the Spanish, with evidence suggesting it started over 2,000 years ago. Carving was used to create functional items like tools and boats with intricate designs. History of Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving Carved figurines like "Tanod" were created as totems to protect villages. The town of Paete in Laguna province is widely recognized as the "Woodcarving Capital of the Philippines". Woodcarvers in the Philippines use a variety of woods for their art, including batikuling, narra, molave, and kamagong. They also use yemane and paraiso as substitutes for batikuling.  History of Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving The Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legaspi called the Filipinos “buen ebanistas” after seeing the woodwork produced by the natives. Filipinos had been engaging in the art of woodcarving longbefore the arrival of the Spaniards. The craft is more than 2000 years old dating back to the time when carvers had to make use of stones, shells and even the teeth and tusks of animals to shape the wood. Today, Filipino woodcarvers continue to carve a name in the ranks of the finest in the craft.The more popular Filipino woodcarvers are the Ifugaos, the Tagbanwas, the Maranaosand the Paetenos.  Types of wood used for wood carving in the Philippines Batikuling Narra Molave Kamagong Yemane Paraiso Traditional Techniques in Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving BAHORELYEBE- This involves carving designs into a flat wooden surface to create raised patterns or images. Common in religious sculptures, such as santos (saint statues), and intricate panel decorations. Traditional Techniques in Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving 1. Bas-Relief Carving This involves shallow carving where figures or designs are slightly raised from a flat surface. Commonly used for storytelling, symbolic imagery, or ritualistic purposes. Example: Found in carved wooden panels or ritual objects of the Ifugao and Maranao. Traditional Techniques in Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving Sculptural Carving A three-dimensional technique used to create free-standing objects such as statues and figurines. Examples: The Bulul (Ifugao rice god) used in rituals for abundant harvests. The Anito (spiritual figures) crafted by the Tagalog and other ethnic groups for worship. Traditional Techniques in Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving 3. Chip Carving (Ukit- Piraso) Small, precise cuts are made to form geometric or floral patterns. Used in decorating furniture, tools, and musical instruments. Seen in the Okir designs of the Maranao and Maguindanao people Traditional Techniques in Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving 4. Incised Carving (Ukit-Linya) Linear designs are etched or carved into the surface of wood. Often seen in decorative tools, weapon handles, or ritual objects. Examples: The Tagbanua carve their scripts and designs on wooden objects. The Mangyan engrave their poetry (Ambahan) on bamboo or wood. Traditional Techniques in Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving Pierced Carving (Buklat- Ukit) A technique where sections of the wood are removed to create intricate openwork patterns. Common in traditional Maranao torogan houses, with Okir designs in latticework. Traditional Techniques in Philippine Indigenous Wood Carving Additive Carving Instead of removing material, individual carved pieces are assembled to form a complete object. Used in some large ritual items or furniture. Examples of Significant Carving traditions in the Philippines Paete, Laguna: Widely recognized as the "Carving Capital of the Philippines," known for its highly detailed religious figures and intricate woodcarvings. Examples of Significant Carving traditions in the Philippines In Luzon the biggest of the three major Philippine islandsthe town of Paete in Laguna has been known as the center of woodcarving in the Philippines. The ban on logging has led many woodcarvers to switch to paper mache, but today, Paete continues to be one of the best sources of fine woodcarvings. In this town, woodcarving has been elevated to a fine art form which is no wonder, because the name Paete comes from the word paet, which literally means chisel. Examples of significant carving traditions in the Philippines Ifugao Carvings: Indigenous carvings from the Ifugao people often feature "bulul" figures, believed to be granary deities, with deep spiritual significance. Examples of significant carving traditions in the Philippines The Ifugaos of Northern Luzon are renowned for both their Banaue rice terraces and intricate woodcarvings, particularly depictions of their deities. The most famous is the bul-ul, a granary deity believed to ensure a bountiful harvest. Traditionally carved from hardwoods, modern Ifugao carvers now use ipil, acacia, or gutmu wood. The carving process involves shaping with a bolo, refining with a gouge, polishing with aplah leaves, and blackening with soot. Over time, the wood develops a fine, hard gloss, enhancing its durability and beauty. Examples of significant carving traditions in the Philippines Tagbanwa Carvings: The Tagbanwa people of Palawan create unique carvings with distinctive designs, incorporating elements from their local environment. The Tagbanwa of Palawan are known for their highly stylized woodcarvings, created for enjoyment rather than primarily for rituals. Their carvings, praised for their near-abstract aesthetic, are used as toys, home décor, or personal expression. A unique technique involves blackening the wood with cassava leaf rubbing and resin smoke, then etching white designs using a small knife. Common patterns include polka dots, v-marks, and triangles. Their preferred wood comes from the alimutyugani tree, making their craft distinct among indigenous Philippine woodcarvings. Indigenous wood carving in the Philippines is a deeply rooted artistic tradition that reflects the cultural identity, beliefs, and craftsmanship of various ethnic groups. From the ritualistic bul-ul figures of the Ifugao to the expressive and near-abstract carvings of the Tagbanwa, each piece serves as both an artistic masterpiece and a symbol of spiritual and social significance. While traditional materials and techniques have evolved due to environmental and economic changes, the ingenuity and dedication of Filipino woodcarvers ensure the survival of this heritage. Indigenous wood carving remains a vital link to the past, a form of self-expression, and a continuing legacy of Filipino artistry. BLACKSMIT HING  producing intricate decorative ironwork. From pre-colonial roots to modern resurgence, this art form has adapted to industrialization, cultural influences, and changing demands. Philippine blacksmiths use techniques such as drawing down and punching to create their products. These techniques have been refined over generations, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of traditional skills meeting modern designs. History of Philippine Indigenous Blacksmith ing History of Philippine Indigenous Blacksmithing The history of Philippine blacksmithing dates back to pre-colonial times, when local smiths crafted tools and weapons for agriculture and warfare. These skilled craftsmen created various instruments, such as rice threshers, spearheads, and swords, showcasing their ingenuity and skill. History of Philippine Indigenous Blacksmithing Blacksmithing in the Philippines, known as pamagpande, has a long history, with each indigenous community developing its own style. The practice has been passed down through generations, with blacksmiths, or panday, using local materials and techniques to create tools and weapons.. Philippine Indigenous Blacksmithing The "bolo" knife: A ubiquitous Filipino blade, often crafted by "Panday," which is used for farming, hunting, and historically, as a defense weapon, with variations in design across different regions. Philippine Indigenous Blacksmithing Decorative "kris" daggers: In Mindanao, the "kris" dagger, known for its distinctive wavy blade, is highly valued for its aesthetic and symbolic importance, often created by skilled "Panday".  Ancestral weapons and heirloom pieces: Many indigenous communities in the Philippines preserve and pass down heirloom weapons crafted by their "Panday" ancestors, signifying lineage and cultural heritage. Materials The steel used for most bolos and knives comes from vehicle leaf springs. That type of steel is meant for a lot of impact and flex. The grade of steel is in the neighborhood of 5160 spring steel, which gives the shop a little bit of an automobile scrap yard look to it. Wooden scabbards (sheaths) are typical for carrying a bolo around  Traditional Techniques In Philippine indigenous blacksmithing, traditional techniques include using a "Malay forge" with a bellows made from hollowed tree trunks, employing simple tools like hammers and tongs, and often incorporating rituals to appease the spirits of the forge before working, with the blacksmith holding a respected position within the community; common products include agricultural implements and weapons like the "bolo" knife, often with intricate designs based on local cultural motifs. Philippine blacksmithing, a centuries-old craft, is on the verge of extinction. Once a thriving tradition, it's now struggling to survive. Filipino blacksmiths were skilled craftsmen who made essential farming tools. They produced hoes, plows, and other equipment necessary for agriculture. Today, Filipino blacksmiths are adapting their skills to create decorative ironwork. They combine traditional techniques with modern designs to produce unique pieces. Examples include intricate gates, ornate furniture, and decorative fixtures. The fate of Philippine blacksmithing depends on the next generation. If young Filipinos learn the craft, it may survive. Otherwise, this traditional art form may disappear forever. TATTOO S Filipino Tattoos have a rich history, dating back to before the Philippines were colonized by Spaniards. When Spanish sips first arrive here, they were greeted by heavily tattooed Visayas tribe and they called the island “La isla de Los Pintados” History of the philipiine tattoos OOS Indigenous Filipino tattoos, known by various names like batok and batek, were widely practiced across ethnic groups before colonization. Created using hafted tools and a mallet, these tattoos symbolized identity, kinship, bravery, beauty, and status. Designs often mirrored those in pottery and weaving, with coverage ranging from specific body parts to the entire body. However, tattooing declined due to conversions to Christianity and Islam, and later, modernization. Today, this tradition is nearly extinct, surviving only among some Cordilleran, Lumad, and Sulodnon communities. In Luzon, the largest island of the Philippines is inhabited by a number of indigenous groups. More popular for their extensive tattoos and rituals are the northern mountain tribespeople of the Cordillera Region, collectively known as "Cordillerans" or "Igorots". Several of these tribal groups customarily practiced headhunting, being one of the main reasons behind tattooing. They believed tattoos possessed spiritual powers and magical qualities which gave them strength and protection. They were also used to distinguish or reward a warrior after a successful headhunt expedition and marked their social status within their community. Women were also tattooed; to enhance their beauty, for fertility and to serve as means of clothing. First four images are the tattoos of Cordilleran women and the last two are leg tattoos of a Banwa-on tribeswoman from Mindanao. POTTE RY  lives, beliefs, and connection to nature. One famous example is the burnay jars from Ilocos, used for fermenting wine and storing food. These jars are hand-shaped on a potter’s wheel and fired in traditional kilns. Another iconic piece is the Manunggul Jar from Palawan, a burial jar with intricate designs symbolizing the soul’s journey to the afterlife. Pottery served many purposes—storing food and water, cooking, rituals, and even trade. Techniques varied across regions, with some communities shaping clay by hand and others using potter’s wheels. Designs often reflected nature, spirituality, and the culture of their makers. From the practical to the sacred, pottery is a window into the lives of our ancestors and a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of indigenous Filipinos. History of pottery in the philippine s  Batanes Islands, Palawan, Masbate, Negros, and Tawi-Tawi. Baked clay spindle whorls (for weaving) and ornaments have also been found in Batanes and Cagayan Valley. Its presence indicates the introduction of textile technologies. The manunggul jar from the palawan was used about 2700 years agoto protect the remains of the dead. It is valued as the most impressive work of ancient pottery in the philipines. It was discovered in Manunggul cave, Lipuun point -. Another outstanding example is the Calatagan Jar whose body contains inscriptions, which have gone through a process of deciphering. Scholars documented examples of early Philippine pottery showing a wide variety of shapes and decorative techniques. The Anthropomorphic Maitum burial jars in Saranggani province depict facialcharacteristic and emotions of sadness and happines.  Ilokano which means a large spherical baked-clay earthenware jar formed of clay, water, and sand. The entire process of burnay making is called panagburnay, and this term was discussed in the study of Rodriguez regarding the ceramic tradition of the Iloko-Filipino people in 2009. These clay jars appear in different sizes. In everyday life, Ilocanos use them for storing like water, rice grains, vinegar, or fermented fish. Other people, such as tourists, serve them as souvenirs and can be either for display or storage very much alive, particularly in rural areas where it remains a functional craft used for cooking and storage, with women often producing earthenware pots ("palayok") for local use; however, in urban areas, pottery has evolved into an art form with contemporary artists creating decorative pieces, often incorporating modern techniques and designs, and targeting a more upscale market through galleries and exhibitions. JEWEL RY MAKIN G  History of Jewelry Making Since the 16th century, it is presume that jewelry making in the country already existed. It is known that the skills of the early Filipinos in creating jewelry are parented from our Asian neighbors like the Chinese people.  History of The history of Filipino jewelry Jewelry Making dates back to pre-colonial times when indigenous tribes crafted ornaments using natural materials such as gold, shells, pearls, and precious stones. These early adornments, often worn as symbols of wealth, power, and spiritual significance, reflected the diverse cultures and beliefs of the archipelago’s various ethnic groups Among the most iconic examples of pre-colonial Filipino jewelry are the intricate gold artifacts unearthed from archaeological sites such as the Butuan Silver Strip and the Surigao Treasure. These artifacts, dating back to the 10th to 13th centuries, showcase the remarkable skill and artistry of ancient Filipino goldsmiths, who crafted elaborate pieces adorned with symbolic motifs inspired by nature and mythology.  Types of Indigenous Filipino Jewelry Bali-og A traditional layered necklace made of chokers and beads worn by people in the Visayas and Mindanao islands  Types of Indigenous Filipino Jewelry Shell ornaments Beads, bracelets, and pendants made from shells, which have been found at archaeological sites dating back 4,700 years  Types of Indigenous Filipino Jewelry Tboli brass jewelry Made by the Tboli people of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, this jewelry is made from brass and tells the story of their culture and spiritual connection to nature This filipino jewelry, with its intricate designs and rich symbolism, stands as a testament to the country’s vibrant cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. For centuries, jewelry has played a central role in Filipino culture, serving not only as adornment but also as expressions of identity, status, and tradition. From ancient indigenous tribes to contemporary artisans, Filipino jewelry continues to evolve, blending tradition with modernity while preserving its unique essence. WHAT IS BASKET WEAVING ? Philippines is one of the rural crafts in the country. The baskets are made from different material such as BAMBOO and RATTAN Jose Formoso Reyes  Who is Jose F. Reyes? Jose Formoso Reyes (1902-1980) known as "Friendship of Baskets" Made over 5,000 baskets Born: Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur (September 15, 1902) He is the one who brought the basketry to the Philippines. PLACES IN THE PHILIPPINES WHERE BASKET WEAVING IS PRACTICED; Northen Luzon Cordillera Ilocos Region Ifugao Mountain Province Southern Mindanao Tawi-Tawi; Sulu  Baskets are made for a variety of purposes; 1. For carrying things 2. For storing foods  WHY IS BASKET WEAVING IMPORTANT IN THE PHILIPPINES? How can we support Filipino arts and crafts and help keep their culture alive? Philippine indigenous arts and crafts are amazing. Weaving, pottery, wood carving, basket weaving, and many other skills show the talent of Filipino people. These aren't just pretty things; they show important stories and beliefs. Each item tells us about the history and life of a specific group of people. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!