Other artworks

Tatak or Batok

Batok tattoos are intricate body art practiced by indigenous groups like the Kalinga. Made using bamboo tools, the designs range from geometric patterns to nature-inspired motifs. Tattoos served as symbols of courage, tribal affiliation, and personal achievements, making them a living testament to the culture and identity of pre-colonial Filipinos.

Photo of a person with Batok tattoos

Angono Petroglyphs

The Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs were declared a National Cultural Treasure in 1973 and represent the oldest rock art in the Philippines, created using deep engraving techniques. Additionally, it was listed in the World Inventory of Rock Art (1985) and among the top 100 endangered sites by the World Monument Watch; the site holds historical, scientific, aesthetic, and social significance. It provides insights into ancient Filipino culture, showcases unique anthropomorphic engravings in a relict forest, and carries symbolic value as a vital piece of Filipino heritage with few parallels in Southeast Asia.

Photo of Angono Petroglyphs

Manunggul Jar

The Manunggul Jar is an approximately 2,700-year-old burial jar from Palawan that is regarded as a masterpiece of ancient Philippine pottery. The two carved figures on a boat on its lid, which was discovered in Manunggul Cave, represent souls making their way to the afterlife. One figure crosses his arms while the other paddles. The jar's curvilinear red designs are made from hematite, a color that is considered sacred by the tribe. It demonstrates the artists' high level of artistic skill and their faith in the soul and afterlife.

Photo of Manggul Jar

Banaue Rice Terraces

The Banaue Rice Terraces, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," are ancient, hand-carved terraces in the mountains of Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines. Rising 1,500 meters above sea level, they are fed by a rainforest irrigation system and have supported rice cultivation for centuries. Estimated to be over 2,000 years old, though some debate their age, these terraces represent a remarkable legacy of the Igorot people. Despite being a UNESCO heritage site, they face threats from erosion, changing agricultural practices, drought, and pests like giant earthworms and rodents.

Photo of Banaue Rice Terraces

Hagabi (Ifugao Wooden Bench)

The Hagabi is a massive wooden bench crafted from a single tree trunk, symbolizing wealth, status, and prestige in Ifugao society. Traditionally reserved for the elite class (kadangyan), the creation and use of the Hagabi are tied to grand feasts and community rituals. Beyond its practical purpose, it represents the craftsmanship and cultural values of the Ifugao people, emphasizing the importance of social hierarchy and communal gatherings.

Photos of Hagabi

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Soures:

The Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs : Philippine art, Culture and Antiquities (n.d.). https://artesdelasfilipinas.com/archives/152/the-angono-binangonan-petroglyphs#:~:text=The %20Angono%20Petroglyphs%20site%20is,with%20a%20deep%20engraving%20technique.
Wow Cordillera. (2020). Ifugao prestige bench Hagabi made it to the world [Blog post]., https://www.wowcordillera.com/2020/12/ifugao-prestige-bench-hagabi-made-world.html
Phillife. (2018). Mambabatok Whang-Od: The last Kalinga tattoo artist.https://www.phillife.co/mmbabatok-whang-od/
Taasnoo Pilipino. (2024). Banaue Rice Terraces: A UNESCO World Heritage https://taasnoopilipino.com/banaue-rice-terraces-a-unesco-world-heritage-site/
CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art | CCP Encylopedia of Philippine Art. (n.d.). CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art . https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2227/

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