Vallo, Jolaine Ashley T.

2014 - 73048

Social Science I
Ms. MJ Louise A. Bolunia

TAKE HOME EXAM

(ON THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES)
1. Admire the building itself. Why should it be admired in the first place?
It is amazing how a museum has many stories to tell about the history, culture, traditions, and a lot
more, of the Filipino people. The building of the National Museum of the Philippines itself, is an
admirable edifice for it houses bits and pieces of our past which brings about a deeper
understanding of society in general. The facade of the building was composed of Corinthian
columns and designs that were Renaissance inspired- all of which were enough to put me in a
state of awe and wonder. Entirely, the building is to be admired because it is a vital part of our
cultural heritage which is crucial in shaping society.
2. a. What are the names of the buildings? What were their former names? What are their
historical/social/cultural relevance?
The National Museum of Fine Arts (formerly called National Art Gallery) and the National Museum
of Anthropology (formerly called Museum of the Filipino People) were the names of the buildings
composing the National Museum. Both have its own historical significance- the building of the
National Museum of Fine Arts used to be the old congress building and public library for Manila;
the National Museum of Anthropology building was formerly housed by the Department of Finance.
Because the institution conserves such artifacts and specimens, both buildings are of great social
and cultural importance because they enable the people to learn and enjoy in a new and exciting
environment. Culturally and socially, the museums enrich our rapport by fostering a deeper
understanding on the various cultures of our society.
1. Name at least 3 galleries that strike you the most in the museum nearer Rizal Park.
Choose 1 out of these 3 galleries. Why did you choose it?
The galleries in the Museum of Anthropology that striked me the most were:
a. Kaban ng Lahi Archaeological Treasures at the Don Vicente Madrigal Gallery
b. Hibla ng Lahing Filipino, The Artistry of Philippine Textiles Gallery
c. The Origin (Pinagmulan) at the Cabinet Ladies Foundation Gallery
Of the three galleries, I chose the Origins exhibit at the Cabinet Ladies Foundation Gallery
because of the striking artifacts and information it featured on the origins of the Philippine
Islands and the Filipino nation. The gallery highlighted the four periods of Philippine prehistory which were the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Metal, and Ceramic Ages. I loved how this
gallery showed gradual improvements in each timeline. Moreover, it provided me a clearer
understanding on the evolution of tools man created.
2. Name at least 5 artifacts that you can find in that particular gallery. What are their
names, place of origin, material(s) used and the function(s). What is/are their
social/cultural relevance? Make a table to simplify the presentation.
Name

Place of Origin

Material/s Used

Copper Button
(Butones na
Tanso)

Tagbac, Lubang
Island,
Occidental
Mindoro San
Jose Wrecksite

copper

Metal
(Tanso)

Tagbac, Lubang
Island,
Occidental
Mindoro San
Jose Wrecksite

metal

Function/s

Relevance

It can be used to The evolution of

secure clothing
clothing began
and other
and improved.
textiles.
It is used as a
primary material
in tool making.

Our ancestors
were able to
produce tools
and weapons
out of it.

Name

Place of Origin

Material/s Used

Function/s

Relevance

Bolo
(Itak)

Tagbac, Lubang
Island,
Occidental
Mindoro San
Jose Wrecksite

metal or copper

as cutting tool

The bolo was

the primary
weapon used by
our ancestors.

Key
(Susi)

Tagbac, Lubang
Island,
Occidental
Mindoro San
Jose Wrecksite

metal or copper

It is used for
opening doors,
or other
particular locks.

It enabled our
ancestors to
secure their
belongings.

Hinge (Bisagra) Tagbac, Lubang

Island,
Occidental
Mindoro San
Jose Wrecksite

metal or copper

It connects
linked objects.

It enabled our
ancestors to
connect doors,
swings, lids, etc.

3. One of the most represented aspect of culture in the galleries is death. How is it
represented in the various galleries? Name at least 5 representations done (either
the material used or the process or activity carried out).
In most of the galleries paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and specimens, death was
implicitly featured. Each gallery represented it in their own creative way through:
a. Taxidermy of animals such as tarsiers, lemurs, snakes, butterflies and locusts;
b. Paintings such as the Spoliarium by Juan Luna, among others;
c. Sculptures such as A Plea for Freedom from Fear by Fermin Gomez and Mothers
Revenge by Jose Rizal
d. The use of metal and wood as seen in the Bataan Death Marcher of Gene Cabrera
e. Artifacts such as the burial jars found in Ayub Cave Saranggani, now featured in the
Kaban ng Lahi gallery.
Death was implicitly featured, perhaps, to enable the viewers to connect emotionally
and psychologically with the objects, and to avoid a monotonous rhythm throughout
the galleries.

BONUS: YEHEY MAAM WE FOUND YOUR PICTURE!!! <3 HEHEHE

Manobo couple (in the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino, The Artistry of Philippine Textiles Gallery)
2010, Agusan del Norte