Summary
Highlights
Embroidery, a craft with ancient origins dating back to 30,000 BC, is practiced globally. In the Philippines, 'Calado' embroidery became prominent in the early 1900s, introduced by Spanish nuns. This intricate handcraft was taught to young girls and is still a vital part of Filipino culture, notably seen in traditional barong Tagalog.
Clay pottery is one of humanity's oldest inventions, with examples found from the Neolithic period. In the Philippines, the earliest pottery dates back to 1000 BC in Palawan. Native Filipinos used ceramic jars for burials, decorated with anthropomorphic designs. Today, pottery is used for cooking, containers, plant adornments, and has been elevated to an art form, particularly in the Ilocos region and Manila.
Paper mache, originating in ancient China, was used for helmets and everyday objects. In the Philippines, it's known as 'Taka,' a folk art from Paete, Laguna. Maria Piday of Paete created the first 'Taka' figures, primarily angels and cherubs, as a lightweight alternative to wooden carvings for church decorations. Taka is made using wooden molds and craft paper, typically painted in primary colors with simple designs.
Also known as Panecillos de San Nicolas, these cookies were introduced by Augustinian friars and are molded with the image of Saint Nicholas de Tolentino, the patron saint of children. These buttery shortbread-like cookies, famously made in Mexico, Pampanga, are crafted with arrowroot flour, coconut milk, and egg yolks.
'Puni' is the art of coconut leaf weaving, a Tagalog term meaning to decorate with coconut leaves. It's used as a food wrap for items like Suman, Pusunan, and Palaspas, and even for toys. Puni is also used for decorations during celebrations and fiestas, particularly in Bulacan, where it's considered a provincial art. Efforts are being made to revive this dying art form and educate the youth about its cultural significance.
Pabalat, or paper cutting, in the Philippines involves creating delicate, intricate designs from wrappers for pastillas, often laminated as bookmarks. This art, typically made from Japanese paper, is popular in Bulacan. While its exact origins are vague, it might have been influenced by Chinese paper cutting. Pabalat is a reflection of Filipino culture, liveliness, and creativity.
Singkaban, an art originating in Bulacan, is celebrated for its beautifully intricate bamboo arches and designs. These are used to adorn streets and churches during festivals like Santa Cruzans and various parades. The Singkaban Festival, first emerging in 1986, highlights this traditional use of bamboo. Francisco Elegio, known as 'Mankiko,' is a master of this craft, skillfully shaving bamboo to create delicate strands for magnificent designs.