Anting-anting on exhibit in French museum

MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino tradition of the “anting-anting” (talisman or amulet) is celebrated in an exhibit at the prestigious Quai Branly Museum in France.

An anting-anting is believed to provide protection, power and other types of good fortune to the bearer.

Apart from the historically and culturally significant physical objects showcased, the exhibition features photos and short videos demonstrating the importance of anting-anting to the Filipino people and the rituals related to it.

Only six years after the historic exhibition titled “Philippines: Archipelago of Exchanges” was held, the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac in Paris once again welcomed visitors to view another Philippine exhibit dubbed as “Anting-Anting: The Secret Soul of the Filipino.”

Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa Lazaro attended the inauguration and was given a personalized tour of the exhibition by curator Floy Quintos, who flew to Paris with visual artist Dino Dimar to bring to life the exhibition he conceptualized. Also present to lend their support were Filipinos based in Paris, many of them artists in various fields.

Quintos is a known director and playwright in the Philippines. His most recent projects include the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)’s TV program “Dayaw” on ANC and “Buhay na Buhay: The Eight Living Cultures of the Philippines” on GMA News TV.

“I wish to offer my congratulations to Floy Quintos on this amazing initiative to share with France and the international community an important facet of Filipino life and faith. I encourage our kababayans in France, especially those whose young family members may not have experienced living in the Philippines, to visit the exhibit as a way to appreciate more their Filipino heritage,” Lazaro said.

“We are fortunate to have this opportunity again, after six years, to share Filipino culture with the world through another project with Musée du Quai Branly,” she added.

The Anting-anting exhibition runs at the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac from March 12 until May 26.