Folk Arts in Luzon

The island country of Philippines located in the Malay Archipelago has a diverse geography and the small islands are house to many tribes. It

is a beautiful country no doubt with beautiful beaches, lofty mountains, volcanoes, colourful corals and the blessing of a lush green rainforest. The people here are friendly and make their lively hood through various forms of occupation among which one requires special mention. It is the one which involves the Arts and Crafts in Philippines.

Every country has their own share of Arts and Crafts, very individual to them so does Philippines. Every piece of art or craft produced bears the identity of the country and makes fine examples of the artistic and creative faculties of the people. The specimens of art or craft require years of dedication and practice and is the outcome of the hard work and love for the art on the part of the artisans. The profession of excelling in Arts and Crafts of the particular country comes from within and requires some technical knowledge along with a sound knowledge of the country’s history as many a times the miniature replicas of famous events are portrayed through the medium of arts and crafts.

The concept of Arts and Crafts is related to the making of objects with your hand, at times with the help of some specialized instruments. Many villages in Philippines are dedicated to this Art and Craft industries which are not only earn tourist acclaim but are also the source of employment to many in Philippines. Traditional arts like weaving, metal smith, Pottery, woodcarving and gold smith are famous all over the country and are valued both by the locals and tourists. The valuable ornate carvings are a specialty in the southern Philippine Islands.

Among the many villages dedicated to the particular crafts the worth notable are the Wood Carvers Village of Paete, the Artist Village of Angono, the Barong Weavers to name a few. Other crafts items are made out of shells, bamboo and rattan. The Abaca leaves are used to make braided bowls and bins while buri is extensively used for making hats and novelty items. The coconut also finds varied usage and is used to make brooms and baskets. The bags, jewellery made out of shells, small boxes, bamboo items and other odd things make great souvenirs and are nice to be gifted too.

Southern tagalongPaete

Wood carvingChop, scratch, carve and polish—these are the common day of Paetenians or the wood carvers of the Philippines. A blood originated from the land of wood carving: Paete, Laguna.

Papier MacheKaya and takas is a papier mache techniques while kayasis at type of art made of strapping the soft wood thriving in sierra madre mountains and make them into beautiful floral and decoration

Bicol regionBicol Region is known for its baskets, bags, slippers that are made from abacca and rattan fibersThe town of Buhi in Camarines Sur is known for its weaving. Their weaving includes garment, mosquito nets and blankets. They use cotton from Manila which where lattered dye into several colors in town. Weaving is a century year old tradition in Buhi.

PalawanThe manunggul jar is consideredone of the precious artifact in Philippines pre-colonial era. The jars serve as container for secondary burial of the deceased loved ones. Found in the Quezonpoint in the part of Palawan.

Lumban

Lumban is famous for its barong tagalog that is carefully woven by hand or embroided to perfection.

IlocosBurnayBurnay are earthen jars with small openings while those with bigger mouths are called wangging. In the early years, the burnay, locally known as tapayan or banga, was used for storage of water, rice grains, basi (sugarcane wine) and condiments like salt and bagoong (fish paste). Burnay jars are also used in the fermentation of vinegar that comes from the sweet sap of the Arenga Pinnata, a sugar palm tree more commonly known as “kaong.” According to locals, Arengga

vinegar tastes better if stored in burnay jars than in plastic or metal containers.

Cordillera Autonomous RegionLoom WeavingConsidered a sunset industry by many because of the ready supply and continued importation of cheaper commercial fabrics used in

garments and everyday use, loom weaving in the Cordillera has withstood the test of time despite the odds.

Pottery

Pottery is the art of making objects from wet clay then hardened by baking. Pottery includes both decorative and practical items such as bowls, vases, dishes, and lamps.

Central LuzonCentral Luzon abounds in handicrafts and is famous for bamboo and rattan artifacts. There are also handicrafts made of marsh grasses. A familiar sight down Central Luzon after harvest time are the bullock caravans originating from Pangasinan laden with bamboo, rattan, and grass crafts, including chairs, tables, hampers, baskets, lamps, mats, and household bric-a-brac. Binalatongan (now San Carlos City) and Calasiao are known for bamboo craft that have been exported abroad.

Bamboo craft

Rattan craft

Grass craft

Folk arts from Mindanao

Marinduque, Romblon and MindoroThe island provinces of Marinduque, Mindoro and Romblon are known for fine baskets with intricate designs of men, animals treesb and other objects. In Marinduque mat weaving from buri or rafta plant is the popular craft. They are also known for Moriones festival celebrated every lenten seacon .On the other hand, Romblon is not only known for their fine, marble products but also for theirbeautifully woven mats and woven bags.