Pre-Spanish Architecture PDF

Philippine architecture PRE-SPANISH ERA The provinces located in the lowlands, typically near the coast, are generally hotter compared to areas in the highlands, where communities have settled in the mountains.The dry season spans from March to June, while the wet season lasts from July to October,...

Philippine architecture PRE-SPANISH ERA The provinces located in the lowlands, typically near the coast, are generally hotter compared to areas in the highlands, where communities have settled in the mountains.The dry season spans from March to June, while the wet season lasts from July to October, with the remaining months experiencing a mix of both.As a result, houses are constructed to suit the local temperature and weather conditions. During the Pre-Spanish era, immigrants of Malay origin, who were food gatherers and hunters, arrived around 3000 BC. They were later joined by a more advanced agricultural group from Indonesia. The society was organized into barangays, which functioned as tribal systems. By 1300 AD, many of these communities had converted to Islam. The region also became a significant trade center in the Orient.  MATERIALS DURING PRE-SPANISH PERIOD  GUIJO TREE YAKAL TREE BAMBOO NIPA RATTAN COGON GRASS CAVES The Pre-colonial Architecture Of The Philippines The earliest evidence of pre-colonial architecture in the Philippines can be found in the rock shelters and caves of Palawan. Early Filipinos were nomadic, moving frequently in search of food through hunting and fishing. As a result, they primarily relied on natural formations for shelter and did not construct permanent buildings. Cave dwelling gave early man his first conception of architectural space. This walled eclosure was made for practical and material consideration of physical survival namely; To intensify spiritual receptivity Emotional exaltation  Caves Tabon caves (Palawan) The Tabon Caves, often referred to as the "Cradle of Civilization" in the Philippines, are a group of caves situated on Lipuun Point, north of Quezon municipality, in the southwestern part of Palawan Island. These caves, named after the Tabon scrubfowl, are bordered by the town proper of Quezon to the south, Barangay Panitian to the west, and the South China Sea to the north and east. Out of 215 identified caves, 29 have been explored, with seven— including Tabon, Diwata, Igang, and Liyang Caves—open to the public. Notably, the Tabon Caves are where one of the oldest human remains in the Philippines, known as the Tabon Man, was discovered in 1962. Additional excavated remains are stored onsite, awaiting examination. Sample Footer Text Caves 9 Duyong Cave Duyong Cave, located on the southwest coast of Palawan Island, is the site of the earliest intact burial ever found in the Philippines, offering a glimpse into human life during the New Stone Age. The excavation revealed a 179-centimeter skeleton in a flexed position, along with bronze tools, glass and gold beads, glass bracelets, shell adzes and ornaments, and nut-chewing paraphernalia, all dating back to between 300 and 500 B.C. Caves TAU’T-BATU CAVE  The Tau't Batu, or'People of the Rock’ live here and they are the last discovered tribe in the Philippines.  Singnapan Valley in southern Palawan  Fear of thunder  Believe that their world is inhabited by a vast population of forest,rock, and water spirits 10 Caves Callao Cave  Located in the Municipality of Peñablanca, Cagayan province  The seven-chamber showcave is one of 300 caves for tourism  Named as Peñablanca (Spanish for white rocks) for the presence of white limestone rocks in the area  Callao man refers to fossilized remains discovered in Callao Cave, Peñablanca, Cagayan  In 2007 by Armand Salvador Mijares. Specifically, they find a single 61-millimeter metatarsal which was found to be about 67,000 years old. 11 LEAN-TO SHELTER LEAN-TO SHELTER A lean-to is a simple structure, originally designed as an extension to an existing building, with rafters that "lean" against another wall. When built as a free-standing structure, a lean-to serves as a shelter, combining both roof and wall to protect its occupants from rain and sun. The floor of a lean-to can be the bare ground, a bed of leaves, or a platform slightly raised above the ground. Lightweight and portable, the lean-to can be easily carried to a new location or simply abandoned for a new one to be built. Two lean-tos can be joined together to create a tent-like shelter with a double- slope roof, effectively laying the foundation for a basic house. LEAN-TO SHELTER 1. Hawong - Pinatubo Aeta constructed with a ridge pole supported by forked stakes or limbs 2. Panahang - Agta & Casiguran damages aetas from aurora 3. Dait-Dait – Mamanua Aeta from Mindanao used when hunting. Made of wild banana leaves, coconut fronds with grass of rattan Arboreal Shelter Dwelling on high trees orTree Houses First shelter to beconstructed were made of interlocking branches. Architectural institution fashioned by nature 20, 30 to 60 ft above ground for protection against animal & human enemies Pre-spanish Architecture Present In LUZON IFUGAO APAYAO KALINGA BONTOC KANKANAI IVATAN Pre-spanish Architecture Present In VISAYAS MANGYAN TAGBANUA Pre-spanish Architecture Present In MINDANAO MANOBO MARANOA BADJAO TAUSOG T’BOLI SAMAL YAKAN Pre-Spanish architecture present in Luzon IFUGAO HOUSE  Location: Mountains of Cordillera  Built on rice terraces near a spring or grove entry faces down slope The structure is a square-shaped building elevated 2.00 meters above the ground, supported by four tree trunks serving as columns. Inside, the single room has an area of 4x5 meters, used for both cooking and sleeping. The fireplace is situated in the far right-hand corner, with shelves above it for storing palay and firewood. The floor, raised about 1.50 to 2.00 meters above the ground, is made of wooden planks resting on solid floor joists that extend beyond the floor's edge.  The posts are anchored by being buried about half a meter into the ground, with additional stability provided by stones placed around each hole.  The floor girders are carved with mortises at both ends, designed to fit securely into the pointed upper ends of the posts, which serve as the tenons.  The lower part of the wallboards is mortised into the floor joists, while the upper part is rabbeted into a transverse beam above.  roof is pyramidal covered with reed and grass  Roof framing is made up of rafters resting on a brace above and which in turn is supported by a kingpost.  The grass covering at the apex of the roof is intentionally left loose to allow smoke from the kitchen area to escape. PRE-SPANISH ARCHITECTURE OF LUZON Decorative Elements:  carabao’s skulls and pig’s jaws are used as indication of status and keeping peace with the gods  Ambubulan figure form placed on top of the roof is used as a protection against evil spirits and lightning and as a sign of asking a favour from the god Kabunyan  These symbolic items rather than the size of his house are used as induations of the Ifugao’s wealth.  Isneg/ Apayao Location: Mountain of Apayao and the Northern end of Cordillera Home of the Isneg boat people; pyramidal or hipped roof; annex on one or both ends; removable sidings for special occasion Plan: ❖ Elevated approximately 1.50 meters above the ground, this single-room rectangular structure is designed with three distinct levels:  Lowest level (Datag or Xassaran): Located at the center of the room.  Immediate level (Ramuyon): Occupies three sides surrounding the lowest level.  Highest level (Tarakip): Situated on the remaining side of the house, serving as an extension. Structural:  Fifteen posts of heavy hardwood are used as supports  There are no fixed window openings since wall construction system allow occupants to remove few wailboards in case air is needed for the interior.  Posts are distributed in the following manner:  Sinit posts - six of these support the data g and two support the tarakip  Adixi posts - six of these support the roof  Atobrobo - a single post supporting the ridgepole  Kalinga Location: Steep mountain slope of the Cordillera The house can be either rectangular or octagonal in form. The octagonal-shaped house, known as a binayon or finatyon, has a living area elevated 1.20 meters above the ground. An attic is located beneath the roof and is also used as a granary. The elevated fireplace is positioned at the left rear side of the house. The flooring of the elevated portions is made of removable reed mats that rest on floor joists. The binayon house is supported by a total of 12 posts. Four of these posts define and support the square central portion of the house, while the remaining eight posts are distributed at the four corners. The lower part of the walls is constructed from plaited bamboo or sawali, extending up to the floor level. The upper portion, reaching up to the eaves, is made of wooden boards that are rabbeted to the exterior floor. the approach to the house is through a ladder which leads to a narrow platform at the front BONTOC Location: Mountain Area of Cordillera House within a house shelter for rice, chickens, pigs and people Plan: The structure is square in plan and designed to accommodate various activities. It includes a granary (falig) with an area of 2.00 square meters, elevated on four posts approximately 5 feet high. A fireplace is located in the rear left corner of the building. On the ground floor (cha-la-noii), the layout is arranged from the doorway to the rear as follows: a. Rice Threshing Room: Immediately to the left of the main entrance, this room, about 5 square feet in area and sunk approximately a foot into the ground, contains a mortar used for threshing rice. b. b. Bench: To the right of the entrance, there is a bench measuring 4 feet wide, 12 feet long, and 1 foot high, used for placing baskets, utensils, and other tools. Chickens are kept underneath this bench. c. c. Kitchen: Adjacent to the threshing room, the kitchen covers an area of 5 square feet and features three concave stove stones surrounded by a low stone wall, along with wooden shelves and water jars. d. d. Ang-an: Located at the rear of the house, directly across from the entrance, the ang-an serves as a space for sleeping and storage. It is the only room with wooden flooring and a ceiling. The structure's roof is supported by four corner posts and side walls. The front and side walls are constructed of wood, attached to the posts, while the rear wall is built from stone and mud. The roof framing includes a ridge post supported by two queen posts, which rest on a central horizontal beam. Additional horizontal beams are provided to support the upper rafters.  The sleeping compartment features wooden boards or sleeping benches measuring 3 feet by 4 feet. The board is slightly inclined at one end to elevate the sleeper's head, while the other end has a pole where the sleeper can rest their feet. A fire can be lit under this pole if warmth is needed for the occupant. IVATAN Location: Slope of cliffs and villages built along the sides and tops of rocky hills of Batanes Island Plan: The structure is built directly on the ground to endure strong winds or typhoons. It consists of two separate houses: the rakuh (big house), which includes the living room and sleeping quarters, and the kusina (kitchen). Structural:  The walls, constructed from lime and stone, are occasionally reinforced with wooden supports to enhance earthquake resistance. These reinforcements extend from the base up to the roof frame.  Doors and windows are provided in the rakuh house but the wall facing the direction of the strongest winds are left solidly closed. Pre-Spanish architecture present in Visayas MANGYAN Mangyan Location: Mountainside or hillside of Mindoro Plan:  The communal house is elevated 1.50 meters above the surrounding platform. It is a one-room, rectangular structure measuring 6.00 x 10.00 meters. The central passageway, known as the palaganan, leads from the main door. Visitors may sleep along the palaganan, though it is primarily used for extra storage space for the families. Individual families are not separated by partitions; instead, their space is defined by mats spread on the floor and by their individual fireplaces. The walls are constructed from tree bark and extend up to a meter or less above the floor. Openings in the walls allow occupants to observe the exterior while remaining hidden from view. The house is covered by a gabled roof with cogon grass thatching. The roof eaves extend 1.00 meter beyond the walls to provide protection against cold winds. There are no windows; instead, ventilation is achieved through the gaps between the flooring and the underside of the walls.  TAGBANUA Location: Coastal and Near-Coastal plains and valleys of Central Palawan Plan: The structure is elevated on stilts approximately 8 feet high and typically comprises eight levels. Each level serves a specific function, such as entrance, cooking or hearth, dining, sleeping, and various storage areas. The highest level is usually designated for storing pillows and blankets. Structural:  Since there are various floor levels partitions are unnecessary,the entire house do not have windows Pre-Spanish architecture present in Mindanao BADJAO Location: Mindanao and Sulu Region Plan: a single-room thatch house on stilts built above the sea.  Their homes are built on stilts that are carefully placed in between coastal rocks and coral.  Ladder serve as wash area  Mirror symbolize the number of children  Considered houseboats MANOBO Location: Lowland of Agusan, Bukidnon, Davao, Misamis Oriental, Cotabato Plan: The flooring of the Manobo house is made from withered bark of the mahogany tree or split bamboo. The house is devoid of decorations, as the Manobos spend most of their time outdoors. It is supported by four or more corner posts and covered with a sun-dried cogon grass gabled roof shaped like an inverted V. The kitchen roof is notably lower than the main roof and is positioned at a right angle to the main house.  The only entrance to the house is located at the kitchen area. The ladder is made of the trunk of the tree cut with notches to serve as its steps. MARANAO TOROGAN Location: Hills, along the river, road or lakeshore of Mindanao An ancestral house for the datu and his family Plan:  Tapaan: Located in the kitchen, this is made of plaited bamboo and used for smoking fish and meat.  Kodal: Also known as the carabao corral, it is situated underneath the kitchen.  Gibon or Paga: These are private rooms not exposed to visitors, used as hiding places for the datu’s daughter.  Lamin: A tower atop the brogan where the princess and her ladies-in-waiting hide during special occasions.  Panggao: The ceremonial bed of the datu. Structural: ❖ The torogan house is constructed by first putting up the center post called rapuwilih followed by four corner posts called lukud. ❖ Flouse posts are made from bunga wood and are placed on top of large stones for protection against the devastating effect of earthquakes ❖ floor beams are supported by 25 thick posts ❖ end beams are called panolong and are ornately carved with piako (fern-like) or naga (dragon-like) motifs ❖ Walls are made of gisuk wooden panels carved with ornate okir designs SAMAL Location: Coastal waters of Jolo Plan:  The structure consists of one or more small rooms and a kitchen, all built partially above the ground and water on wooden posts. Structural: The stilts of the house are typically made from bamboo poles, while the walls are constructed from wooden boards or sawali. The roof thatching is secured by placing flattened bamboo strips spaced far apart over it. TAUSUG Location: Coastal water of Tapul, Siasi, Basilan, Malaysian, Borneo, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, Cotabato Bay-smug – their native name for traditional Tausug house Plan: Elevated above the ground, the structure includes several components:  Entrance Porch (Salos): The area where one enters the house.  Sleeping Quarters (Bilik): The area designated for sleeping.  Kitchen: This area has flooring that is about a foot lower than the main house and is connected by a bridge made of bamboo or wooden planks. Panran is an open extended platform used as a family area. The house's flooring is made of thin strips of bamboo. At the rooftop, there is a decorative element called the Tajuk Pusung, a wood carving depicting a stylized head and neck of a rooster or a naga dragon. The bilik, or sleeping area, is the only room in the main house and is supported by 9 posts, while the porch and kusina (kitchen) each have their own separate posts. The posts are made of heavy timber or bamboo.Except for the central post, all posts extend up to the roof. Wooden floor beams, or hanglad, are attached to the posts along with smaller beams to support the floor joists. Beams and girders are joined either by joints or by tying them with hijuk vines, lagtang, and haun vines.The walls are made of split bamboo or woven coconut palms and do not reach up to the roof, with a ventilation opening of about 0.45 meters provided.  T’BOLI Location: Hilltops and mountaintops in the Lake Sebu area in Cotabato Plan:  The house is elevated on stilts about 6 feet high and features multiple levels, with a total area ranging from approximately 900 to 1,350 square feet. The layout includes:  Lowa: The central space used for sleeping overnight guests, measuring 15 feet by 20 feet, and is 8 inches lower than the adjacent areas.  BIlaba: A side area, typically 6 feet wide, used for working and socializing.  Desyung: Located opposite the Lowa and BIlaba, this honored area is where the head of the house entertains guests and performs rituals under a curtained canopy.  Dofil: Positioned on both sides of the Desyung and sometimes elevated 3 feet above the Lowa, this area serves as the sleeping quarters for the headman's wives and children.  Bakdol: The entrance to the house.Kohu: The hearth, made from beaten earth, includes a shelf for pots, pans, baskets, and other utensils.  Dol: An area for the Kohu and stair landing.  Fato Hu: The rearmost utility area of the house.  Kotel: A detached structure a few feet away from the house, serving as the toilet. Structural  Bamboo is generally used for the house posts  Walls are made of sawali or woven bamboo strips  The low biaba wall is hinged to the floor at its lower side so that it can be opened towards the outside in case an extended floor area is needed  The dofils are separated from one another by means of a sawali wall which extends up to the roof.  YAKAN Location: Mountainous interior of Basila Plan: The structure is elevated 2 to 3 meters above the ground and consists of a single rectangular room with an approximate floor area of 50 to 100 square meters. It has no partitions. The kitchen serves as the family's dining area, while the porch is used for entertaining guests and as a resting place for the household. Inside the living area, a cloth-weaving loom is positioned near the door that leads to the porch outside. Structural: The posts are made of sturdy wood, with floor beams attached to them. The walls are constructed from sawali, horizontal wooden boards, or bamboo poles, secured together with rattan lashings. The roof eaves extend 0.50 meters beyond the walls. Doors are oriented towards the east for prosperity, and only a few small windows are included, based on the belief that bad spirits cannot easily pass through small openings. Often, a small window is placed at the end wall opposite the kitchen NIPA HUT (BAHAY-KUBO)  An indigenous house used relatively all over the Philippines before the Spaniards.  Traditionally made of Bamboo tied together covered with thatched roof of Anahaw Leaves or Nipa  Originally, the bahay kubo is a one- room dwelling structure with porch provided on all sides of the house. Then, the bahay kubo graduated into a more sophisticated type of dwelling NIPA HUT (BAHAY-KUBO)  Parts:  Bulgan - is the area reserved for entertaining guests  Silid - is a private room used for sleeping  Paglutuan or gilir - ¡s the kitchen or cooking area  Silong - is the space found underneath the house used as a storage space for the farming and fishing implements and also for the animals kept  Parts of the Kitchen:  Dapogan - is a table on top of which is the river stone, shoe-shaped stove or kalan.  Ban gahan - this was later called ban gguera or banggerahan and is used as a place for drying and storing pots and pans, drinking glasses, plates and other kitchen utensils.  Batakui - this is the unroofed area where water jars (used for drinking, washing and bathing) are kept. End