Indigenous Philippine arts and crafts

CEBU, Philippines - One of the most precious traditional livelihoods that are still kept until today is weaving. Originating in the pre-colonial times, the art of weaving of the Cordillera tribal groups in the Philippine North is still existing despite the threat of the more practical, mass production of cloth. The natives use backstrap loom to produce blankets and articles of clothing.

Piña cloth is also produced in looms throughout the province of Antique. It is a delicate and exquisite hand-woven cloth that is made from the fibers obtained from the leaves of pineapple plants. It is popularly used in Barong Tagalog, the country's traditional formal menswear. With the organic and airy textile being used, the 'barong' is now becoming more popular around the world.

Abaca fiber come from the abaca plant is widely grown in certain regions in the country. It is woven mainly to make 'sinamay' fabric and abaca rope, as well as specialty papers like vacuum bags, currency, and tea bags. There are also handcrafts like bags, carpets and clothing made of abaca.

Baskets are also made by the Cordillerans as livelihood. They also use these as storage for food when they need to go to mountain terraces to raise crops.

Certain types of baskets also serve for carrying grains, for hunting animals, and for fishing in the streams. Bamboo baskets are used as fish traps; the shape and size of baskets determine to the kind of fish to be caught.

Filipino potters make pots of different sizes, shapes, and designs, which are usually geometric with stylized nature-themed motifs. Functional pieces are made as the need would arise.

An example of this is the 'palayok', which is used for cooking. 'Banga' and 'tapayan' are used for storing liquids. There is also the clay-made stove or 'kalan'. The 'burnay' pottery in Ilocos Sur is still a lively tradition that continues up to the present.

Philippine sculpture is the most familiar art form among Filipinos.  The most popular woodcarvings are those of the anitos (nature gods), santos (saints), and statues of Christ and the Blessed Mother.

Since the early 16th century, jewelry making in the country has been practiced in the country. It is believed that the skills of the early Filipino jewelry-makers are adopted from their Asian neighbors like the Chinese.

Jewelry-making is traditionally a home-based industry. With government support, the Philippines has come to be known for its exquisite gold jewelry. The more popular jewelry pieces are actually made of gold and silver. Rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches, pendants, necklaces, tie pins, and cuff links (with or without gemstones) of these precious metals are common. The Philippines is also known for pearls and semi-precious stones. (FREEMAN)