Overview
This lecture discusses the characteristics and examples of pre-colonial Philippine art and culture, focusing on architecture, sculpture, painting, literature, music, dance, and theater.
Architecture
- Pre-colonial Filipino architecture used natural, indigenous materials like wood, bamboo, and grass.
- Bahay Kubo was a common traditional house made for practicality and open space, relying on available resources.
- Torogan, built by Maranao people, symbolized high status and was the house of the datu (chieftain).
- Ifugao houses were pyramid-like, elevated, sturdy, and harmoniously placed with rice terraces.
Sculpture
- Ancient Philippine sculpture included items of wood, stone, and clay, reflecting high artistic skill.
- Bulul are Ifugao wooden figures believed to ensure rice abundance and protection.
- Hagabi are large ceremonial benches made for wealthy Ifugao families as symbols of status.
- Manunggul Jar is a burial jar from Palawan, illustrating belief in the soul's journey after death.
Painting
- Early Filipino painting appeared as tattoos (Pintados), petroglyphs, and body painting.
- Angono Petroglyphs are considered the oldest Philippine artwork, depicting human and animal figures.
- Batek tattoos among northern tribes symbolized identity and societal roles.
Literature
- Pre-colonial literature preserved culture and traditions through oral and written forms.
- It was characterized by riddles, proverbs (salawikain), and epics, passed down through generations.
- Alibata or Baybayin was the first Filipino syllabic script.
- Epics like Biag ni Lam-ang, Hudhud, and Darangen described heroic deeds and cultural values.
Music and Dance
- Music and dance were integral to rituals, celebrations, and courtship.
- Salip dance depicted Kalinga courtship rituals using symbolic gestures.
- Manerwap rain dance was performed by the Bontoc people to ask for rain from their god Kabunian.
- Kalaleng is a bamboo nose flute used in serenades, especially by men.
Theater
- Prehistoric theater included rituals, epics, and celebrations expressing myth, conflict (nemesis), and spectacle.
- Epic poetry, like Biag ni Lam-ang, was performed at communal events and festivals.
- Other notable epics: Hudhud and Darangen, reflecting diverse cultural narratives.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Bahay Kubo — traditional Filipino stilt house made from native materials.
- Torogan — Maranao royal house symbolizing status.
- Bulul — Ifugao rice guardian wood sculpture.
- Hagabi — ceremonial wooden bench denoting wealth among Ifugao.
- Manunggul Jar — ancient burial jar signifying afterlife beliefs.
- Pintados — Visayan people known for their elaborate tattoos.
- Petroglyphs — rock carvings depicting prehistoric art.
- Alibata/Baybayin — ancient Filipino script.
- Salawikain — Filipino proverb expressing common truths.
- Kalaleng — bamboo nose flute.
- Epic Poetry — long narrative poems about heroic or supernatural events.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of traditional architecture and sculpture.
- Memorize key literary forms and characteristics of pre-colonial literature.
- Watch performances or videos on Filipino indigenous dances and music.
- Study the definitions of key terms for exam preparation.