Dorothy Rica G.

de Asis
Biology 4A
Group No. 5
Anthropology Monday
04:00-07:00 PM
1. If you are going to choose one material object that describes best the Philippines’ past culture,
what material would that be?

Of all the artifacts that were in the National Museum, I think the Manunggul Jar best
describes the Philippines’ past culture because it signifies the existence of our ancestors and how
they dealt with life and death. Just like what is seen on the cover of the burial jar, two men on a
boat that symbolizes the travel of the dead to the underworld, the Philippines’ culture is just that,
it undergoes continues transformations too. A series of renewals or regenerations as the society
also evolves.
The Manunggul Jar also teaches us that our ancestors had utmost respect for the dead,
giving them decent burials that are up to this day, still very true to the Philippines’ culture.
2. Enumerate at least three things that amazed you in how they preserved the artifacts in the
National Museum.

If there are three things that amazed me in how they preserved the artifacts in the
National Museum, those were the plants, animals, and the different kinds of pottery. The plants
still came from the 1900s but still were preserved and there were no signs of decay. Plants can be
very delicate, especially the leaves which are thin enough and that some amount of humidity or
moisture could already destroy them. This goes the same with the animals like the tarsier, the
lemur, the snakes; but what really amazed me was the preservation of the insects like the
butterflies and the locusts. Animals can also be very hard to preserve, it takes proper preservation
process to keep the animals preserved, especially the insects which can have very thin and
delicate structure, but still the curators managed to preserve them and use them as museum
artifacts.
The pottery that I found in the museum also amused me and even the burial jars. Pottery
could be also very delicate, exposing it to moisture or a bit of dryness could also cause damage
to it. Although most of the pottery already showed signs of wear and tear because it still came
from the ancient civilizations and being buried for too long in the ground may have already
caused cracks on it, but still, I still found it amazing that they have preserved those delicate and
fine works of pottery.
3. Can you imagine yourself as a museum curator? Why yes/ why not?

Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by museums. Because of my live for
history, especially Philippine history, I think it wouldn’t be impossible that I may find myself a
museum curator someday. The artifacts and the different displays at the museum amaze me.
Although it may take hard work, the rewards of seeing the artifacts and knowing its history and
origins can be very fulfilling. Philippine history and culture is very rich and it would not be
impossible that there is still a lot more to explore in the Philippine islands and seas – artifacts or
museum pieces that are still hidden from our eyes.
Being a museum curator can be a very interesting job, adding to it the sophistication and
also the learning that comes with it through the exploration and preservation of different
materials that make up the history of culture of our country.
4. Would you go back and visit the National Museum again? Why and when?
To be honest, I would like to go back to the National Museum a lot of times, most likely
on my free time. I think the best way to spend somebody’s time is to go to museums rather than
spending time elsewhere. Trips to the museum are very educational, you can learn a lot when
visiting a museum. I would like to go back again and maybe spend a whole day (if it is enough),
going over the different artifacts and reading each and every caption that goes with it.
I also plan to visit with a friend maybe and cultivate others’ interest for Philippine history
and culture. I think this is also a great way to develop our love for the country and sense of
patriotism. I would never get tired of visiting the National Museum and I believe I would also
bring my family there in the future for them to also be amazed by the artifacts that are displayed
and the history behind it.