Philippines Ethnic Art and Crafts

Ethnic arts in Philippines are labors of love and patience. The intricate carvings on wood, metal, stone or glass are products of skillful hands and imaginative minds.

Indigenous musical instruments like the flute, drums, rainsticks, native guitars and bells are made of bamboo, twigs, pebbles, animal skin, seeds and seashells. The careful manipulation of these materials magically produces sounds and unique instruments used in tribal dances and ceremonies.

(The tumpong (also inci by the Maranao) is a type of Philippine bamboo flute used by the Maguindanaon, half the size of the largest bamboo flute, the palendag.)

(Sulibaw - a hollow Igorot drum, topped with pig skin or lizard skin.)

(Rain Sticks - simulate the sound of rainfall, and were originally used in native ceremonies during dry months to ask the gods for rain.)

(Karaga - is a guitar made up of bamboo where the strings are slit from the bamboo itself.)

(Tongkaling brass bells, used as an amulet or as a musical instrument.)

The art of batik-making uses an indigenous technology passed on from one generation to another. Traditional crafts produce priceless masterpieces which become a treasure.

(Batik)

Basketry is an ethnic tradition of weaving and one of the functional art of many nations. The intricate patterns on the weaves are repeatedly done creating harmony and rhythm. Grasses and twigs are woven to make baskets.

(Ata Talaingod Liyang Basket Weaving)

(Making basket using waterlily plants.)

(Basket maker in Pampanga, Philippines.)

Pottery is another ethnic tradition commonly practiced by Asians. Pottery originated from the Chinese. They make the best porcelain in the Asian region.

(Vigan Pottery, Ilocos Sur, Philippines)

(RGL Pottery in Guimaras)

(Iezo Aklan Pottery)

Carving is another form common to Filipino people. Japanese sculptural works focus on the image of Buddha. The Chinese and Koreans are the roots of its artistic influence. Japanese used clay, bronze and lacquer in making statues.

(Banaue Wood Carving Souvenirs)

(Banaue Mykey Wood Carving Marges)

(A young wood carver in Paete Laguna)

Metalworks have intricate and intriguing designs among Asian metal crafts. The iron-tipped spears were used in hunting and warfare. Metalworks also include jewelry like neckpieces, anklets and bracelets. Each metal piece is etched with geometric motifs.

(Anklet from the Bagobo, Mindanao)

(Necklace)

(Manila Necklace Souvenir)

Art appreciation on Philippines arts is not only satisfaction of the senses. Each artwork speaks of the passion and active involvement of the artist in visualizing, connecting the culture and the creative and skillful manipulation of the objects around.

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Site References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_of_the_Philippines

https://prezi.com/jufpl_pw_yat/philippine-ethnic-art-o/

http://www.slideshare.net/babaylan1111/philippine-indigenous-art

http://www.arts-crafts.aboutphilippines.ph/

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