FOLK ARTS

FROM
MINDANAO
 MINDANAO
• The second largest island in the southern portion of the country.
• The so-called “Land of Promise”
• It is a home to several ethno-linguistic groups and is one of the cultural diverse
island of the archipelago composed mostly of Muslims.
• Ethno-linguistic groups:
Manobo Badjao Jama Mapun
Maguindanaon Iranun Kalagan
Kalibugan (Subanon) Sama Sangil
Tausug Yakan
• Lumads- those who maintained their beliefs and traditions instead of converting
to Islam or Christianity such as T’bolis
• Gateway of Islam in the Philippines
 Language of the Art
Arabesque – refers to the elaborate and colourful decorations of Moslem
architecture
Fiddleheads – young shoots of ferns that resemble a fiddle head
Anthropomorphic – refers to something or objects with or resembling a human
figure
Did you know that . . .
Our ancestors are very fond of wearing jewelries most
particularly the earrings that are usually made of gold. It is evident
with a number of gold earrings and other jewelries excavated in many
parts of the country. Historical accounts tell us men had one or two
holes in their ears for earrings, while women had three to four.
The Ayala Museum exhibit has samples of different types of earrings
listed below:
• Panika – the largest earrings, worn on the lowest hole which also
had a name “panikaan”. Palbad, are smaller earrings with finer
floral designs
• Dinalopang – are earring used in the upper holes. Sangi an earring
worn on only one ear.
Butuan and Agusan
• It is where the first Catholic mass in the
Philippines was celebrated by the Spaniards in
1521.
• It is located in the northeastern part of agusan
Valley composed of Cebuano, Butuanon and
Tagalog-speaking populace.
• The entire Agusan area was formerly referred to
as Butuan until 1914 when the province was
created
Butuan and Agusan
• It is known for its crafts in gold such as the
golden sash found in the area – a weaving of thin
threads of gold that the ancients mastered. The
golden sash is part of the Surigao treasure.
• Golden dagger handle – with fantastic
asymmetric forms that suggests raging flames
around the bird’s head which is similar to Garuda
in Indonesian mythology
• Garuda – the vehicle of God Vishnu and dubbed
as the sun bird/ hari that implies power in
Filipinos
Agusan Manobo
Agusan is located in the northeastern part of
Mindanao and home to several ethnic groups. They
are known for their rich history and culture.
The Manobos make beads and necklaces,
baskets and other items that they use in their daily
lives.

The Lumads
Lumads – are the in-Islamized and un-
Christianized Asutronesian people composed of
around 18 ethno-linguistic groups found in
Mindanao.
Atta Mansaka
Bagobo Subanon
Bunwaon Tagakaolo
B’laan Tasaday
Bukidnon Tboli
Dibabawon Teduray
Higaonon Ubo
Mamanwa - They are among the
Mandaya lumads
Manguwangan
Manobo
The Okkir or Okkil
refers to a geometric and flowing designs based on leaf
and vine patterns. This pattern is the distinguishing marks
of the Maranao arts and Muslim-influenced artworks in
southern Philippines and even in other southeast Asia.
2 types
*Okir a dato – male designs
*Okir a bay – female designs

Torogan – where Okkir’s prominence in the Maranao art

can be found
- it is an ancestral home of the highest titleholder
in a Maranao village which symbolizes power and prestige
Panolong – it is the prominent part of the Torogan, it is a
protruding carved beams in front of the house and styled
with okir