Summary
Highlights
The Maitum jars are unique burial jars found in Southeast Asia, characterized by their human-like features, particularly hands attached to the body and distinct human faces on their lids. These faces depict various expressions, believed to represent the appearance of people from ancient times, dating back 2,000 years.
In 1991, rebels in Ayub Cave, Pinol, Maitum, Sarangani, Mindao, accidentally discovered these jars. Originally searching for gold, they sought help from American geologist Michael Spadafora, who instead found these antropomorphic jars, which were deemed more valuable. These jars were created around 5 BC during the Metal Age and were used as secondary burial jars for human remains, often containing only fingers and teeth, signifying an advanced culture at the time.
Dr. Eusebio Dizon from the National Museum found the jars almost lost to illegal trade, with some already bagged for sale to Japanese buyers. Dizon emphasized the cultural significance and urged for their preservation in the Philippines. The excavation process was difficult due to the area being a rebel stronghold, with encounters with kidnappers and food shortages. Despite challenges, over 100 Maitum jars, estimated to be 2,000 years old, were rescued. However, some jars were reportedly taken before Dizon's arrival and are now circulating in the black market, valued at 300,000 to 400,000 pesos.
Maitum jars are declared National Cultural Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, making their sale or export illegal under the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 10066), which imposes penalties of 200,000 pesos and imprisonment. The local municipality of Maitum displays replicas of the jars to raise awareness about their heritage, as the originals are securely guarded by the National Museum.
Lamia, the widow of the rebel group leader who discovered the jars, expressed regret for not knowing their value at the time, preferring gold over the jars. She mentioned selling an original jar for 100,000 pesos and that her child once used a piece of a jar for a school project. Guided by Lamia's story, the speaker, accompanied by Maitum tourism officer Arnelito Ramirez, visits the school where the artifact might be located, in hopes of seeing an original Maitum jar fragment.