GEEL02-Indigenous Creative Crafts

Introduction to Indigenous Creative Crafts

Learning Objectives

At the end of this the topic, you should be able to:

1. Identify the different types of traditional Arts and Crafts in the Philippines;
2. Make a presentation on any of the sub-topics of the brief overview of Philippine Arts and
Crafts; and
3. Develop a sense of hard work and craftsmanship through a simple craft creation.

Throughout Philippine history, craftsmanship and its different forms have always been prevalent.
The Filipinos have an innate inclination to create, exemplifying the state of being engaged in their
craft and taking a sense of joy and pride in their work. The Filipino craftsman dedicates himself to
his art and telling the story of the Philippines, bearing its truest essence-its soul for the world to
see.

Blessed with natural resources, Filipino craftsmen are able to come-up with a magnificent product
that tells a million story not just about their lives but the culture of their place. Clearly, this reflects
Filipino crafts that magnify labors of love and patience. These are evident in the products of their
skillful hands and imaginative minds. Creative crafts in the Philippines do not only satisfy our
senses, but each artwork speaks of the passion and active involvement of the artists in visualizing,
connecting, and appreciating the culture and the creative manipulation of the objects around.

Traditional Arts in the Philippines

• Folk Architecture

Folk architecture in the Philippines differ significantly per ethnic group, where the structures can
be made of bamboo, wood, rock, coral, rattan, grass, and other materials. These abodes can range
from the hut-style bahay kubo which utilizes vernacular mediums in construction, the highland
houses called bale that may have four to eight sides, depending on the ethnic association.

Ex:

Instructor: Ms. Alfaith Gracel G. Navarra

 • Weaving

Weaving is an ancient art form that continue in the Philippines today, with each ethnic group
having their distinct weaving techniques. The weaving arts are composed of basket weaving, back-
strap loom weaving, headgear weaving, fishnet weaving, and other forms of weaving.

Instructor: Ms. Alfaith Gracel G. Navarra

Ex:

• Basketry

The fine art of basket weaving in the Philippines has developed intricate designs and forms
directed for specific purposes such as harvesting, rice storage, travel package, sword case, and so
on. The art is believed to have arrived in the archipelago due to human migration, where those
at the north were the first to learn the art form.
Ex:

Instructor: Ms. Alfaith Gracel G. Navarra

 • Carving

The art of carving in the Philippines focuses on woodcarving and folk non-clay sculptures.

• Pottery

The art of pottery, categorized into ceramic making, clay pot-making, and folk clay sculpture, has
long been a part of various cultures in the Philippines, with evidence pointing to a pottery culture
dating around 3,500 years ago. Important pottery artifacts from the Philippines include the
Manunggul Jar (890-710 BCE) and the Maitum anthropomorphic pottery (5 BC-225 AD).

Ex:

Instructor: Ms. Alfaith Gracel G. Navarra