ARTS APPRECIATION

Art appreciation centers on the ability to view art throughout history,

focusing on the cultures and the people, and how art developed in the specific
periods.

Module No. 4
Philippine Arts and Handicraft

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 3
MODULE OBJECTIVES......................................................................................................4
LESSON
IMPORTANCE OF PHILIPPINE ARTS AND HANDICRAFT............................................... 5
TRADITIONAL HANDIWORK IN THE PHILIPPINES....................................................... 6
NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES...................................................................10
ACTIVITY 4..................................................................................................................... 14
ACTIVITY DETAILS........................................................................................................ 15
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................16

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INTRODUCTION
Like in any other country, art influenced the life of the Filipinos and the things that
surround them. The Philippine arts reflect a Filipino society with diverse cultural
influences and traditions of the Malayan peoples such as the Chinese and Indians.
Islamic traditions were introduced to the Philippine Islands in the 14th century.

Likewise, Europe and the United States intensely influenced Filipino artists. However,
while drawing on Western forms, the works of Filipino musicians, painters, and writers
are imbued with distinctly Philippine themes. By expressing the richness of the culture of
the archipelago in all its diversity, Filipino artists have helped in shaping a sense of
national identity. Many Malay cultural traditions have continued until this time despite
foreign rule. Muslims and tribal groups maintained distinct traditions in dance, music,
and sculpture.

Indigenous arts in the Philippines are labors of love and patience. The intricate carvings
on wood, metal, stone or glass are products of skillful hands and imaginative minds of
the different tribes of the archipelago. Indigenous musical instruments like the flute,
drums, rainsticks, native guitars, and bells made of bamboo, animal skin, seeds, and
seashells. The careful manipulation of these materials produces sounds and unique
instruments used mostly in tribal dances and rituals (Ramirez, 1999).

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 MODULE OBJECTIVES
When you finish the module, you should be able to:

● Develop a clear conceptual grasp of the fundamental distinctions between

Aesthetic Arts and Crafts.
● Learn how to categorize various artistic expressions into the domains of Aesthetic
Arts and Crafts based on their characteristics.
● Explore the historical context that shaped the emergence of Aesthetic Arts and
Crafts as distinct forms of creative expression.
● Understand the varied purposes behind Aesthetic Arts and Crafts, including
emotional expression, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
● Recognize the underlying intentions of artists and artisans in Aesthetic Arts and
Crafts and how these intentions impact the outcomes.
● Gain insight into how Aesthetic Arts and Crafts contribute to the cultural and
societal landscapes, reflecting values, beliefs, and technological advancements.
● Develop an appreciation for the diverse ways in which creativity is channeled
through Aesthetic Arts and Crafts.
● Acquire the ability to critically analyze and compare specific examples of
Aesthetic Arts and Crafts, identifying the key elements that define their
categorization.
● Express ideas and insights effectively when discussing the differences between
Aesthetic Arts and Crafts.

By achieving these learning objectives, learners will gain a comprehensive overview of

the distinctions between Aesthetic Arts and Crafts, enabling them to appreciate and
categorize various forms of creative expression accurately.

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 LESSON
IMPORTANCE OF PHILIPPINE ARTS AND HANDICRAFT
The Philippines is abundant in natural resources that are scattered throughout its
islands. Filipino artists used the parts of trees, plants, and other natural resources as the
raw materials and turned them into simple, yet useful tools or instruments. This type of
work is called Artistic Handicrafts (sometimes called artisanry). Although this type of art
changes from time to time it is still imperative to continue and is preserve due to the
following reasons:

1. It promotes our cultural legacy through the use of indigenous materials.

2. It shows an individual's creativity and superior ingenuity.
3. It encouraged producers to produce more raw materials.
4. It generates employment.
5. It developed values of perseverance and resilience.

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TRADITIONAL HANDIWORK IN THE PHILIPPINES
The following are some handicrafts in the different regions of the Philippines:

1. Jewelry (Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and

Mindanao Regions). This handicraft is mostly in the
Central Luzon region, mainly from the province of
Bulacan. You can also find related to this from
Mindanao regions, but down south, you can even
get powerful brass amulets and other accessories.

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 2. Metal Craft (Southern Luzon and
Mindanao Regions). This type of handicraft is in
the Southern Luzon region, particularly in the
province of Batangas. A very popular metal craft
which is locally and internationally as an excellent
source for a portable knife is called balisong or the
butterfly knife. Traditional weapons made from
brass, bronze, and gold, are also abundant in the
island of Mindanao.

3. Pots and Jars (Ilocos and Palawan Region).The pots and jars known as burnay can
be found explicitly in the province of Ilocos Sur. These creations are made from
Grade A clay through a method that has been practiced by locals since the
pre-colonial times.

▲ Kandanilwan ▲ Cabubot ▲ Butingan ▲ Gabuk

Pala’wan Tribe Ifugao Tribe Tagbanua Tribe Pala’wan Tribe
Palawan Lagawe, Ifugao Palawan Palawan

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 The Manunggul jar from Palawan was used about 2,700
years ago to protect the remains of the dead. It is valued as
the most impressive work of ancient pottery in the
Philippines. It was discovered in the Manunggul Cave,
Lipuun Point.

The jar has a beautifully sculpted lid, unlike other burial

jars that have simple handles on their rounded covers.
This lid features a pair of small, three-dimensional figures
on a boat. The figures represent the souls of the dead
rowing their way to the afterlife. The first one has his arms
crossed over his chest, while the second holds a paddle in
his hands. Both have neatly proportioned limbs and
doll-like facial features. Although executed in primitive
style, the soul figures are of rare sculptural quality for the
period. Their boat to the other world is also crafted in
detail. It has a human face carved on its prow.

The Manunggul jar stands as sociological evidence of a society with clear beliefs in
both the existence of the soul and life after death, thousands of years before
contact with organized religions. It also reveals the high level of artistic skills
possessed by its neolithic makers, for only a master potter could have created a jar
of such original and striking beauty.

4. Woven Fabrics (Mindanao Regions). These fabrics are woven traditionally, by

interlacing threads using a manual machine called a loom. One of the common
materials in this region is called malong which is historically used as a skirt and
sometimes as a blanket.

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5. Wood Carvings (Cordillera and
Southern Luzon Regions). Fantastic
wood carvings produced by the
Ifugao in the northern region of the
Cordilleras. Often, these wood
carvings are depicting their
indigenous gods. Excellent
kitchenware like wooden bowls and
utensils are in this region.

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NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES
The Order of National Artists (Order ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest
national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant
contributions to the development of Philippine arts, namely: music, dance, theater, visual
arts, literature, film, broadcast arts, and architecture and allied arts. The order is jointly
administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural
Center of the Philippines and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon
recommendation by both institutions.

National Artists are given a Grand Collar symbolizing their status. Likened to the US
National Medal for the Arts and the Order of Culture of Japan, the recipients embody the
highest ideals of humanities and aesthetics and ideal expression of Filipinos as
exemplified by their outstanding works and contributions.

Here are a few of the Philippines’ National Artist and their works:

1. NICOMEDES “NICK” JOAQUIN

National Artist for Literature (1976)

Nicomedes "Nick" Marquez Joaquin was a Filipino

writer and journalist best known for his short
stories and novels in the English language. He also
wrote using the pen name Quijano de Manila.
Joaquin was conferred the rank and title of
National Artist of the Philippines for Literature.

Popular Works
As Nick Joaquin:
● The Woman Who Had Two Navels (1961)
● A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1966)
● Cave and Shadows (1983)

As Quijano de Manila:
● Reportage on Lovers
● Reportage on Crime
● Reportage on the Marcoses
● Reportage on Politics

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2. NAPOLEON ABUEVA
National Artist for Sculpture (1976)

Napoleon V. Abueva, a native of Bohol, is

considered as the Father of Modern Philippine
Sculpture. Some of his major works include
Kaganapan (1953), Kiss of Judas (1955), Thirty
Pieces of Silver (1979), Eternal Garden
Memorial Park (1967), and Nine Muses (1994).

3. FERNANDO AMORSOLO
National Artist for Painting (1972)

The country had its first National Artist in

Fernando C. Amorsolo. Returning from his
studies abroad in the 1920s, Amorsolo
developed the backlighting technique that
became his trademark. His trademarks are
composed of figures, a cluster of leaves, a spill
of hair, the swell of breast, are seen aglow on
canvas.
Among others, his major works include the
following: Maiden in a Stream(1921); El Ciego
(1928); Dalagang Bukid (1936); The Mestiza
(1943); Planting Rice (1946); and Sunday
Morning Going to Town (1958).

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 ▲ Planting Rice
Oil on canvas, 1946
◄ Dalagang Bukid
Oil on canvas, 1936

4. NORA CABALTERA VILLAMAYOR

aka NORA AUNOR
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts
(2022)

Her journey to fame started when she

joined and won a local amateur singing
contest in a radio program called “Darigold
Jamboree”. She came to be known as the
girl with the “golden voice” with the
unique tone of her voice.

Some of her famous works in film are

Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976),
Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo (1976), Ina Ka ng Anak Mo (1979), Himala (1982),
Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984), and Bona (1980).

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5. AGNES DAKUDAO LOCSIN
National Artist for Dance (2022)

Locsin is a choreographer,
director, and teacher. She is
dubbed as one of the “most
progressive contemporary
choreographers in the
Philippines,” for she distinctively
utilizes Filipino beliefs, rituals,
and ethnic traditions in her
choreographies, concepts, and
direction, which she was able to
beautifully merge with her
knowledge in Western dance
techniques and called it
“neo-ethnic.”

Among her successful works are Babaylan, which won second place in the Tokyo
International Choreography Competition in 1993; Taong Talangka (Man-Crab);
Salome which won second place for dancer Camille Ordinario in the 1994
Concours International de la Danse in Paris, France; and narrative works like one
on the life of the mythical hero Labaw Dungon in the epic Hinilawod from the
island of Panay.

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 ACTIVITY 4
Complete the concept map with words or phrases that describe Filipino art. Write your
answer in each circle.

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ACTIVITY DETAILS
The following are the rubrics for grading and scoring guide for the activities found in this
module:

Activity 4 – Total of 15 points

EFFECTIVELY USES A VARIETY

EFFECTIVELY
OF
INTERPRETS AND DEPTH AND BREADTH OF
POINTS INFORMATION-GATHERING
SYNTHESIZES UNDERSTANDING
TECHNIQUES AND
INFORMATION
INFORMATION RESOURCES

Demonstrates an extensive Consistently interprets Demonstrates a thorough

knowledge of basic information the information understanding of the important
resources and commands a gathered for tasks in an concepts or generalizations and
wide range of accurate and highly provides analysis and new
5-4 information-gathering insightful way and insights into some aspects of
techniques. Demonstrates provides highly creative that information.
creativity and resourcefulness and unique synthesis of
in collecting data and creating that information.
original data.

Demonstrates knowledge of Consistently interprets Displays a complete and

basic information resources and the information accurate understanding of the
commands a useful range of gathered for tasks important concepts of
3
information gathering accurately and generalizations.
techniques. synthesizes the
information concisely.

Demonstrates little familiarity Rarely, if ever, interprets Demonstrates severe

with basic information or information gathered misconceptions about the
demonstrates a command of for tasks accurately or concepts and generalizations.
2
only a few basic synthesizes the
information-gathering information concisely.
techniques.

Fails to meet the minimum Fails to meet the Fails to meet the minimum
1
standard. minimum standard. standard.

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REFERENCES

Ramos, A. B. and Oberes, D. A. (2018). Art appreciation for the new general education
curriculum. Mutya Publishing: Valenzuela City, Manila

Gustlin, D. and Gustlin, Z. (2016). A World Perspective of Art Appreciation. Academic

Senate for California Community Colleges.

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