The Filipino Art and Crafts

The Filipino Art and Crafts
Like in any other country, art influenced the life of the Filipinos and the things that
surround them. The Philippine arts reflect a Filipino society with diverse cultural
influences and traditions of the Malayan peoples such as the Chinese and Indians.
Islamic traditions were introduced to the Philippine Islands in the 14th century.
Likewise, Europe and the United States intensely influenced Filipino artists.
However, while drawing on Western forms, the works of Filipino musicians, painters,
and writers are imbued with distinctly Philippine themes. By expressing the richness of
the culture of the archipelago in all its diversity, Filipino artists have helped in shaping a
sense of national identity. Many Malay cultural traditions have continued until this time
despite foreign rule. Muslims and tribal groups maintained distinct traditions in dance,
music, and sculpture.
Indigenous arts in the Philippines are labors of love and patience. The intricate
carvings on wood, metal, stone or glass are products of skillful hands and imaginative
minds of the different tribes of the archipelago. Indigenous musical instruments like the
flute, drums, rainsticks, native guitars, and bells made of bamboo, animal skin, seeds,
and seashells. The careful manipulation of these materials produces sounds and unique
instruments used mostly in tribal dances and rituals (Ramirez, 1999).
Pre-Colonial Art forms in the Archipelag
The arts in the Philippine archipelago had its past and continued to develop by
numerous modern artists. With their different context regarding history, style, cultural
symbols, and meanings, these artworks are portrayed (Estrella, 2017).The following are
some known artforms in the Philippines:
Agung. It is a musical instrument of the Kulintang ensemble which is played by one
or two persons depending on its number. By using a rubber-padded beater, this
instrument is performed on both the boss/knob and the face of the gong
Banog-banog. It is a dance that portrays hunters shielding in their chickens from
the famishing hawk.
BlitB’laan. It is a courtship dance of the Bilaan of Davao del Sur mimicking birds
during mating season. The females scurry to safety, burying their heads under their
wings (using the malong), but the aggressive males follow them wherever they go.
Cañao. It is a ritual-dance performed during native feasts or celebrations in the
highlands of the Cordilleras in the Luzon area of the Philippines. It is a symbol of
triumph or expectation for abundant crops.
Gangsa. It is an indigenous musical instrument of the Bontoc tribes of Kalinga,
Ifugao in the mountain regions (the Cordillera) of the northern Philippines.
Inamong. It is an ethnic dance among Tigwahanon Manobos in the Province of
Bukidnon and performed during their harvest time. This type of dance shows a couple,
with their bodies and arms slightly bent forward, mimicking the movement of a pair of
flirting among monkeys.
Kadal Iwas. It is a dance performed by the T-boli and Tausug tribes respectively
which mimic a mealtime of monkeys in removing nits and lice from each other. A
variation of this dance is to mimics a monkey who sits on an anthill by mistake and is
attacked by angry ants all over his body.
Kashawing. It is a ritual among the Maranaos and is performed to ensure a good
harvest.
Kinabua. It is ritual dance among the Mandaya tribes in Northern Mindanao. This
type of dance portrays the Hawks’ use of sweet songs to lure out the hen and the chicks
that are made into a meal.
Mamakar. It is a Bontoc War Dance performed during the planting season and a
bountiful harvest.
Man-manok. It is a dance performed in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. This type of dance
mimics fowls wherein a tribal blankets that represent the colorful plumage of wild cocks
are shown off by the warriors who intend on winning the attention of the maiden hen.
Mayvanuvanua. It refers to a sacrificial rite performed at the beginning of the
summer fishing season among mataw fishers in Batanes Island. This type of dance is
an act of invitation to capture the fish dorado successfully.
Mumbaki. It is a local term which refers to the “sayer of prayers” among the Ifugaos
in Northern Luzon. These prayers are performed during funerals, wedding,
Thanksgiving, and other celebrations. This is offered to the supreme deity, Maknongan.
Ngilin. It is a cultural dance performed among the Kalinga tribe during Marriage
rituals and other celebrations like the budong (peace pact). This type of dance is played
to simulate the romantic or peaceful interactions of a rooster and a hen.
Pagdiwata. It refers to a ritual performed among the ethnic group in the north and
central Palawan. The ceremony is held on various occasions including bountiful
harvests and weddings.
Pangalay (also known as Sea Gypsies).It is a native dance of the Badjao
performed during weddings and other social gatherings. This type of dance
emphasizes the agility of the upper body wherein the rhythmic bounce of the shoulder
with the simultaneous alternating waving of arms is the essential movement.
Sampak. It is a war dance performed by the Mandaya tribe. This type of dance
requires excellent skill in the handling of a shield, spear, and a sword.
Saut. It is a ritual dance performed by a male Talaanding tribe presenting their
expertise in style and arts in fighting their opponent. This ritual dance is also an offering
to their magbabaya (god).
Talip. It is a courtship dance among the Ifugao. This is performed during the
celebration of the intaneg (wedding). In this dance, the man traps a woman with an
attractive blanket to place on her shapely shoulders.

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