When I heard about the Non-Western blog exhibit for this week's assignment, I got excited because I have known some of the known arts in the Philippines since I was born and raised there before migrating here to the United States.
I am always proud and fascinated by its rich cultural values, beliefs, and identity and the unique art that the people do to preserve culture and history. Although some still use traditional techniques in their artworks and skill as a source of income, more new artists in the Philippines are now showcasing their talents using the modern technique and approach of arts because of the availability of resources compared to the past.
Weaving is a popular art in the Philippines. In my hometown, you will meet the finest weavers in the Philippines, located in the Village of Basilan. They are called Yakan weavers. They've been weaving since the early 90s and still use traditional techniques. They use fibers of pineapple and abaca to do the fabric. The first image above illustrates equipment with cotton threads on how the weaving is being done. This image was done by one of the famous weavers, Ambalang Ausalin, and is displayed in the National Museum of the Philippines; It was meant to be an unfinished artwork to show how Yakan weaving is done with the backstrap loom.
The second image is an example of a finished artwork by local Yakan weavers. Notice the intricate geometric patterns and brightly colored designs. Even if there are similarities in the basic pattern, each is uniquely made. I am always amazed to see the designs, colors, and textures of this traditional clothing worn by Filipinos. You can see the quality of fine weaving by looking at the details and flat texture with no loose threads of the finished product. When my mom and I went to Yakan Village to buy a piece of their product, I was in awe of how they weaved the cloth. They were meticulous not to miss a pattern or would have to undo the threads and start all over again. Creating these products is a pure labor of love and craftsmanship, so my mom did not haggle for cheaper prices. I supported local art, brought it with me here to the United States, and shared these pieces with other people to promote the cultural heritage of the tribe.
Another weaving piece, A contemporary art made by a Filipino artist, is "Hiding and Living" by Raffy Napay. This artwork is an excellent weaving piece that is remarkably done with threads. He used to be a painter, but due to living in a confined space and having respiratory difficulty with paint, He tried a different type of art: weaving (Pinto Art). He used colorful fibers with shades of red-orange and yellow lines woven by hand. I like how he weaved this piece. He added volume and a lot of texture. Napay's artworks are detailed, yet simple, and "flat," armed with a physical depth resembling a terrain. It is sad that weaving is not recognized as much, unlike most artworks. It does get underappreciated, and this skill does take time. I appreciate the artists who put effort and time into this exquisite work of art.
Kalahi Dance Company, Singkil, 2018, Seattle Theatre Group
The "Singkil Dance" is one of the known folk dances in the Philippines that shows the traditions and history of the Maranao people. It is a traditional Muslim dance that originated in Mindanao. The dance tells a story about the epic legend "Darangen," a tale of a Maranao princess rescued by Prince Bantugan (Wikipilipinas). It is a popular dance performed during annual celebrations and other festivities. Most people saw it as a dance of courting between the two royalties. The Singkil dance was originally performed only by women specifically royalty to attract potential suitors. The different colored outfits enchant me. They used fancy instruments like colored fans, umbrellas, headdresses, and handkerchiefs. I remember dancing this in the Philippines and loving the colored outfits with exquisite decorative designs and gold embroidered costumes. There were also built-in cymbals for the male outfits that produced chime sounds. You can see the dancers' serious looks, which gives a sense of dignity and pride in the dance. They only used musical equipment such as the Kulintang (Bronze gongs), Dabakan (Filipino drum), and bamboo poles, which were incredibly in sync and matched with the dance movements. I am lucky enough to have watched and performed the dance myself in high school. This is not an easy performance. It does take practice to dance with the bamboo poles and maintain a serious look, but it does give the honor and pride of dancing this historic dance.
In closing, Art in the Philippines greatly influenced the past and helped educate history through art. There are different kinds of cultures and traditions that you can distinguish just by looking at the artwork. The creativity and values instilled in the arts are remarkably done. Indeed, Art is a representation of cultural values and beliefs. Also, helps to preserve the many different communities that make up our world. I urge people to visit, enjoy, and be inspired by the fantastic arts in the Philippines.
Works Cited
Delos Reyes, Ramil. “Yakan Weaving in Lamitan, the Yakan Homeland.” Pinas Muna, 12 Aug. 2013, https://www.pinasmuna.com/2013/08/yakan-weaving-in-lamitan-yakan-homeland.html.
Pasilan, Earl Francis C. “Apuh Ambalang and the Yakan Weaving Tradition.” National Museum, 1 Apr. 2022, https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/2022/04/01/apuh-ambalang-and-the-yakan-weaving-tradition/.
“Pintô: Your Door to Philippine Contemporary Art.” Pintô | Your Door to Philippine Contemporary Art, https://www.pintoart.org/raffy-napay.
Singkil - Wikipilipinas. https://en.wikipilipinas.org/view/Singkil.
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