Indigenous Creative Crafts in the Philippines PDF

I. Introduction At the end of the unit, you should be able to: 1. Describe the indigenous creative crafts in the Philippines; 2. Discuss the significance and relationship of indigenous arts and crafts to the Hospitality Course; and 3. Develop a s...

I. Introduction At the end of the unit, you should be able to: 1. Describe the indigenous creative crafts in the Philippines; 2. Discuss the significance and relationship of indigenous arts and crafts to the Hospitality Course; and 3. Develop a sense of responsibility in promoting and conserving the Philippine culture through arts and crafts. 4. Identify the different types of traditional Arts and Crafts in the Philippines; 5. Make a presentation on any of the sub-topics of the brief overview of Philippine Arts and Crafts; and 6. Develop a sense of hard work and craftsmanship through a simple craft creation. Throughout Philippine history, craftsmanship and its different forms have always been prevalent. The Filipinos have an innate inclination to create, exemplifying the state of being engaged in their craft and taking a sense of joy and pride in their work. The Filipino craftsman dedicates himself to his art and telling the story of the Philippines, bearing its truest essence-its soul for the world to see. Blessed with natural resources, Filipino craftsmen are able to come-up with a magnificent product that tells a million story not just about their lives but the culture of their place. Clearly, this reflects Filipino crafts that magnify labors of love and patience. These are evident in the products of their skillful hands and imaginative minds. Creative crafts in the Philippines do not only satisfy our senses, but each artwork speaks of the passion and active involvement of the artists in visualizing, connecting, and appreciating the culture and the creative manipulation of the objects around. Do you have what it takes to become a craftsman? In this chapter you will learn the brief overview of Philippine Arts and Crafts and its significance and relationship to the Hospitality Course. It is then expected that you will be able to find yourself become an agent of this culture-filled journey. As you will come to know more of these arts and crafts, be ready to become your most creative self for you will be creating your own handicraft. This journey transcends beyond “knowing” history or “applying” discussed topics, rather, it is an “awakening” of your soul in taking responsibility to promote, conserve, and develop Philippine indigenous creative crafts. Arts and Crafts in the Philippines refer to the various forms of the arts that have developed and accumulated in the Philippines from the beginning of civilization in the country up to the present era. They reflect the range of artistic influences on the country’s culture, including indigenous forms of the arts, and how these influences have honed the country’s arts. The traditional arts in the Philippines encompass folk architecture, maritime transport, weaving, carving, folk performing arts, folk (oral) literature, folk graphic and plastic arts, ornament, textile, or fiber art, pottery, and other artistic expressions of traditional culture. Folk Architecture Folk architecture in the Philippines differ significantly per ethnic group, where the structures can be made of bamboo, wood, rock, coral, rattan, grass, and other materials. These abodes can range from the hut-style bahay kubo which utilizes vernacular mediums in construction, the highland houses called bale that may have four to eight sides, depending on the ethnic association.  Darul Jambangan (Palace of Flowers), the royal residence of Bahay kubo-style Mabini House the ruler of the Tausug Dakay house, the oldest surviving coral Bahay na bato houses in houses in the Philippines still used Intramuros, Manila today (c. 1887) Maritime transport Maritime transport in the Philippines includes boat houses, boat-making, and maritime traditions. These structures, traditionally made of wood chosen by elders and craftsfolks, were used as the main vehicles of the people, connecting one island to another, where the seas and rivers became the people’s roads. Although boats are believed to have been used in the archipelago for thousands of years since the arrival of humans through water, the earliest evidence of boat-making and the usage of boats in the country continues to be dated as 320 AD through the carbon-dating of the Butuan boats that are identified as remains of a gigantic balangay. A balangay reconstruction A large karakoa outrigger warship, 1711 A paraw in An owong at Palawan Lake Sebu Weaving Weaving is an ancient art form that continue in the Philippines today, with each ethnic group having their distinct weaving techniques. The weaving arts are composed of basket weaving, back-strap loom weaving, headgear weaving, fishnet weaving, and other forms of weaving. Cloth and mat weaving Expensive textiles are made through the intricate and difficult process called back-strap looming. Fibers such as Cotton, abaca, banana fiber, grass, and palm fiber are used in the Filipino weaving arts T’nalak A double (kat mat from Sulu Binakul Basketry The fine art of basket weaving in the Philippines has developed intricate designs and forms directed for specific purposes such as harvesting, rice storage, travel package. Sword case, and so on. The art is believed to have arrived in the archipelago due to human migration, where those at the north were the first to learn the art form. Carving The art of carving in the Philippines focuses on woodcarving and folk non-clay sculptures. Woodcarving Indigenous woodcarving is one of the most notable traditional arts in the Philippines, with some crafts in various ethnic groups date back prior to Hispanic arrival with perhaps the oldest surviving today are fragments of a wooden boat dating to 320 AD. Bulul gods Kulintang from Mindanao. Stone, ivory, and other carvings Stone carving is a priced art form in the Philippines, even prior to the arrival of Western colonizers, as seen in the stone likha and larauan or tao-tao crafts of the natives. These items usually represents either an ancestor or a deity who aids the spirit of a loved one to go into the afterlife properly.  Carved marbles Stone carvings at the from Romblon façade of Miagao Church, world heritage Folk graphic and plastic arts The fields under folk graphic and plastic arts are tattooing, folk Site writing, and folk drawing and painting. and a National Cultural Treasure Folk writing (calligraphy) The Philippines has numerous indigenous scripts collectively called as suyat, each of which has their own forms and styles of calligraphy. Various ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines prior to Spanish colonization in the 16th century up to the independence era in the 21 st century have used the scripts with various mediums. By the end of colonialism, only four of the suyat scripts survived and continue to be used by certain communities in everyday life.. Folk paintings Folk paintings, like folk drawings, are works of art that usually include depictions of folk culture. Evidences suggest that the people of the archipelago have been painting and glazing their potteries for thousands of years. Pigments used in paintings range from gold, yellow, reddish purple, green, white, blue-green, to blue. Ornament, textile, or fiber art Ornament, textile, or fiber art includes a variety of fields, ranging from hat- making, mask-making, accessory-making, to ornamental metal crafts, and many others. Hat-making, mask-making, and related arts Hat-making is a fine art in many communities throughout the country, with the gourd-based tabungaw of Abra and Ilocos being one of the most prized. Indigenous Filipino hats were widely used in the daily lives of the people until the 20th century when they were replaced by Western-style hats. They are currently worn during certain occasions, such as festivals, rituals, or in theatre The art of mask creation Is both an indigenous and imported tradition, as certain communities have mask-making practices prior to colonization, while some mask-making traditions were introduced through trade from parts of Asia and the West. Today, these masks are worn mostly during festivals, Moriones Festival, and MassKara Festival. Accessory-making Accessories in the Philippines are almost always worn with their respective combination of garments, with some being used as accessories for houses, altars, and other objects. Pottery The art of pottery, categorized into ceramic making, clay pot-making, and folk clay sculpture, has long been a part of various cultures in the Philippines, with evidence pointing to a pottery culture dating around 3,500 years ago. Important pottery artifacts from the Philippines include the Manunggul Jar (890-710 BCE) and the Maitum anthropomorphic pottery (5 BC-225 AD). Maitum Anthropomorphic Burial Jar No. 13 (5 BC-370 Manunggul Jar AD), a National Cultural from Palawan Treasure (890-710 BC), a National TOPIC 2: Significance and Relationship of Indigenous Arts and Crafts to the Hospitality Cultural Course Treasure Indigenous creative Arts and Crafts to the Hospitality Course: Opening doors of opportunity for the Students The Hospitality Course is known for its vast paced of innovation that requires a large amount of creativity in many forms. Through these indigenous creative arts and crafts, hospitality students get to experience an opportunity that allows them to explore different culture, examine different form of arts, and portray appreciation to craftsmanship. This widely supports their personal, social, moral, spiritual, cultural and creative development, and enables them to engage with and explore visual, tactile and other sensory experiences and how to recognize and communicate ideas and meanings. These opportunities enable them to work with traditional and new media, so that they develop confidence, competence, imagination and creativity. Through these opportunities, they learn to appreciate and value images and artifacts. Across times and cultures, and to understand the contexts in which they were made. Experiences in art, craft and design enable them to learn how to reflect critically on their own and others’ work. They learn to think and act as artists, makers and designers, working creatively and intelligently. They develop an appreciation of and engagement in art, craft and design as critical consumers and audiences and an understanding of its role in the creative and cultural industries. That shape and enrich their lives. Indigenous creative Arts and Crafts to the Hospitality Course: Promoting Culture through Tourism In return, as students will "explore different culture, examine different form of arts, and portray appreciation to craftsmanship", a certain indigenous art can be known throughout the world that will inevitably pave the promotion of culture and other products of a certain locale. Art and craft is considered to be an integral part of the tourism business, since it plays an important role as souvenirs and mementos, thereby spatially and temporarily expanding the visitor experience. It is also increasingly looked upon as an opportunity to diversify the tourism sector offerings, as well as the broader economic base. It links directly to the tourism sector as a source of supply of functional items used in the hospitality sector. Indigenous arts and crafts served to enhance the intrinsic value of local art and craft to international visitors. This is because local art and craft maintain the quality of uniqueness, and represent an innate connection to the heritage and culture of the destination, as well as the indigenous knowledge and craftsmanship of local artisans. In many places, crafts such as textiles and art contribute greatly to the culture of a destination and the travel experience. Crafts can be an important contributor to a country’s economy, employing artisans that are preserving cultural heritage, while generating an important source of income through the informal sector. The tourism industry provides an important export market for a host of craft products. For example, hotels and restaurants demand diverse craft products in order to furnish and equip their establishments. Tourists often set a budget for themselves expecting to buy different products to take home as souvenirs. These souvenirs then serve as tourism marketing tools by telling a story of the destination and adding to the travel experience. Principles of indigenous crafts and Design Introduction The small islands that make up the island nation of the Philippines, which is part of the Malay Archipelago, are home to numerous tribes. Undoubtedly, it is a beautiful country with lovely beaches, tall mountains, volcanoes, coral reefs with vibrant colors, and the blessing of a lush green rainforest. The locals are friendly and support each other through various jobs, but one stands out in particular. It is the one that involves Philippine arts and crafts. Indigenous materials - Timber, canes, grass, palms, and rattan are examples of indigenous materials that are naturally and locally found in a particular location. Capiz, pearls, corals, and seashells are also indigenous raw materials in the country that are widely known and used creatively in crafts and decoration because the country is an archipelago with an abundance of beaches and marine resources. INDIGENOUS CRAFTS - Indigenous art is produced by native, or "traditional," people who are descended from the land. Arts and crafts refer to the practice of creating items by hand, sometimes with the aid of specialized tools, and skilfully fusing that with the artist's sensibility and aesthetic sense. The Philippines has many villages devoted to the art and craft industries, which not only attract tourists but also provide jobs for many Filipinos. Traditional crafts like weaving, metalsmithing, pottery, woodcarving, and goldsmithing are well-known throughout the nation and highly regarded by both locals and visitors. The southern Philippine Islands are known for their priceless ornate carvings. The principles of indigenous crafts design are important for several reasons, rooted in the cultural, social, economic, and environmental contexts of indigenous communities. Understanding and respecting these principles is crucial for maintaining the authenticity, cultural significance, and sustainability of indigenous crafts. Here are some key reasons why these principles matter: 1. Preservation of Cultural Heritage: - Indigenous crafts often embody the cultural heritage and traditions of a community. Adhering to design principles ensures the preservation of cultural practices, symbols, and stories that may have been passed down through generations. 2. Cultural Identity and Empowerment: - Indigenous crafts are integral to the expression of cultural identity. Following design principles helps reinforce a sense of cultural pride and empowerment within communities, fostering a strong connection to ancestral traditions. 3. Sustainable Resource Use: - Many indigenous crafts are closely tied to the environment, utilizing locally sourced and sustainable materials. Adhering to principles of environmental stewardship ensures the long-term health of ecosystems and the continued availability of essential resources. 4. Interconnectedness with Nature: - Indigenous crafts often reflect a deep connection with nature. Principles that promote sustainability and respect for the environment reinforce the understanding of the interconnectedness between the craft, the community, and the natural world. 5. Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer:  - The principles of indigenous crafts design facilitate the transfer of traditional knowledge and skills from elders to younger generations. This intergenerational transmission is vital for the continuity of cultural practices and craftsmanship. 6. Community Cohesion and Collaboration: - Indigenous crafts are frequently communal activities, fostering collaboration and a sense of community. Following design principles reinforces shared cultural values, strengthens social bonds, and supports the well-being of the community. 7. Economic Empowerment: - Adhering to fair trade practices, ethical sourcing, and principles of economic empowerment within indigenous crafts can contribute to the economic well-being of communities. This, in turn, helps sustain traditional craftsmanship and supports local artisans. 8. Ceremonial and Ritual Significance: - Some indigenous crafts have ceremonial or ritualistic significance within the community. Design principles ensure that the craftsmanship aligns with the cultural and spiritual aspects associated with specific ceremonies, rites of passage, or rituals. 9. Cultural Appropriation Prevention: - Following principles of respect for intellectual property and cultural authenticity helps prevent cultural appropriation. Respecting the unique designs and symbols associated with indigenous crafts is crucial to avoiding misrepresentation and exploitation. 10. Adaptation and Innovation: - Indigenous crafts are not static; they can adapt to changing contexts while maintaining their cultural essence. Principles of adaptation and innovation allow communities to evolve their crafts in response to contemporary challenges and opportunities. 11. Global Awareness and Understanding: - Indigenous crafts often serve as a tangible expression of cultural diversity. Understanding and appreciating the principles of indigenous crafts design contribute to global awareness, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. In summary, the principles of indigenous crafts design play a pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable practices, empowering communities, and fostering a deeper connection between indigenous people and their traditions. These principles are essential for ensuring the continued vitality and relevance of indigenous crafts in the face of evolving social, economic, and environmental dynamics.