Lecture Notes: Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions - Pre-Colonial or Ethnic Arts
Introduction
- Topic: Pre-Colonial Arts
- Definition: Arts during the period before colonization.
- Context: Our forefathers were primarily hunters, marking the beginning of literature through storytelling.
Forms of Pre-Colonial Arts
Literature
- Storytelling: Informal form of literature developed from oral traditions and recounting hunting experiences.
Theater
- Imitation of Animals: Early theater or play acting originated from mimicking animal movements during hunts.
Music and Dance
- Evolution: Introduction of drums and rhythm marked the beginnings of music and dance.
Dance Forms
- Pangalay Dance (Sulu): Mimics the movement of seabirds.
- Mandaya Kinabua, Banog-Banog, Mamanok: Imitate predatory birds' movements.
- Talip Dance (Ifugao): Courtship dance mimicking wild fowls.
- Inamo Dance (Matigsalogs and Kadaliwas, Tiboli): Represents movements of the monkey.
- Tinikling Dance: Mimics crane movements, a popular dance form even today.
Famous Artworks
Carving
- Bulul (Cordillera): Granary god carvings, important in rituals.
- Hagabi (Ifugao): Wooden bench.
- Santos and Okur: Sculptures of mythical figures, like the sarimanok.
- Manunggol Jar: Carved artifact discovered in Manunggol cave, Palawan.
Weaving
Textile Weaving
- Pisi Shabit (Tausug, Sulu): Woven headpiece.
- Malong (Maranao, Lanao del Sur): Traditional Muslim textile.
Mat and Basket Weaving
- Tipo Mat (Sama, Tawi-Tawi): Double-layered mat from pandan leaves.
- Ovaloid Basket (Itbayat, Batanes): Traditional basket weaving.
Ornamentation
- Gold Jewelry: Worn by the upper class, particularly Tagalogs.
- Tattooing (Visayan): Symbol of bravery and protection, a practice still prevalent today.
Conclusion
- Pre-colonial arts showcased a rich tradition of storytelling, dance, carving, weaving, and ornamentation.
- Many practices from this era continue to influence contemporary arts in the Philippines.
This concludes the lecture on Pre-Colonial Arts. Thank you for watching.