1.
MASUSO POT
The masuso pots (or breast pots) are ceramic objects whose origin and
cultural significance are still unknown. The complete lack of data was
the result of looting and destruction of archaeological sites.
Two variations of the masuso pot can be viewed at the National
Museum: one with four breasts and another one with breasts facing
seven directions.
How important of the artifacts for the fililipino society
Masuso Pots are important, it is use in Arable farming and cattle-breeding meant that
people needed pots for storing cereals and dairy products. Pottery vessels were also used at the
end of the Mesolithic period, but they were a little cruder and less varied. In the Neolithic
period several types of vessel were made.
2. LAGUNA-COPPER PLATE
The earliest known evidence for written literature in the
history of the Philippines, the Laguna Copperplate Inscription is a
sheet of copper metal with ancient writing discovered in the
province of Laguna in 1989. The text was hammered out onto the
copper sheet in Old Kawi script, but the language appears to be in
Old Malay English Translation of the said The Laguna Copperplate
Inscription: Long Live! Year of Siyaka 82
How important of the artifacts for the filipino society
- It proves that we already had written language and literacy more than a thousand years ago.
Also, we can see that the natives had their own way of doing things. In addition to that, it tells
us a story that we as an Individual in the society should enrich.
3. MANUNGGUL JAR
The cultural treasure found in the early 1960’s in Manunggul Cave, Lipuun Point, Palawan is a
secondary burial jar. On top of the jar cover or lid is a
boat with two human figures representing two souls
on a voyage to the afterlife. The boatman is seated
behind a figure whose hands are crossed on the chest.
The position of the hands is a traditional Filipino
practice observed when arranging the corpse.
How important of the artifacts for the filipino society
The Manunggul Jar is important because it is
reminding us how compassionate and great the
Filipinos. The Manunggul Jar has the vision that the new generation of a Filipinos will once more
take the ancient balangay as a people and be horizon seekers once more.
4. VAKUL AND KANAYI
Vakul is the quintessential headgear worn by women and
kanayi are the vests draped on men when they work in the
field. Made from shredded leaves of voyavoy or Philippine
date palm, this all-weather gear is unique to the Ivatans and
are still worn to this day.
How important of the artifacts for the filipino society
Both are used as protective coverinfgs particularyly while in
the fields. Vakul (left) are exclusively used by the women, while kanayi (right) paired with the
local casave they call kalogong by the men
5. BASKET (HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS OF LUMAD)
Baskets are commonly seen in most Lumad households. These are used in storing foods from
hunting and gathering forest products, and keeping both personal and household items. These
are commonly used wih bamboos, rattan, and pandan. These are made with various shapes and
sizes and may contain grains, root crops and fish products. Typically, baskets are coated with
Tabon tabon a pulp or pitch from its nuts mixed with lime for waterproofing.
How important of the artifacts for the filipino society
- Baskets have many functions and forms. They hold things, store and transport them. For
historians, ethnologists and anthropologists, they carry the history of a place, its culture and
socioeconomic heritage from one era to another.
[Link]
Filipino muslims also celebrate important of life-cycle rituals, such ad birth, rites of passages,
weddings and death which commonly involve feasting. These show the persistence of
indigenous beliefs and practices alongside islamic faith.
How important of the artifacts for the filipino society
For many Filipinos, fiestas are important because of the
miraculous power of the saints. Fiestas reflect Filipino
religion and faith, which are the most essential part of
society. Nowadays, however, a distinguishing cultural
aspect that is unique to the community is preferred as a
central subject for many celebrations.
7. Sanduk
Filipino Lumads use a wooden spoon that they use in preparing food. Most often wooden
kitchen utensils are made of birch-tree, beechwood, maple, oak or fruit trees. Coniferous trees
are not suitable for wooden spoons as they are softer and have a specific odor.
How important of the artifacts for the filipino society
It's important in our society to have a deeper understanding
about the life of lumads. Whenver they have a different
culture still they are filipinos and we should be proud of.
At the
National Museum of Anthropology; Erika Muñoz, Dianne Mabasa, Margarette Herrera and
Mhika Gratuito
Introduction to Sociology
and
Anthropology
Submitted by: Dianne Irish N. Mabasa
Cherie B. Omar
Erika Joyce Muñoz
Mhika Gratuito
Mary Margarette Herrera
Comments and recommendations (Strengths and weaknesses of the museum)
- Museums play a big role in reminding us of how we grow as a people. Through arts,
installations, and precious artifacts, they awaken our desire to know more about our rich
culture, our history, and our environment, which make up our national identity. The national
museum of anthropology in manila has a really good structure. All the artifacts are well
preserved.
- National Museum plays an important role in every Filipino and in the country. It serves as an
evidence of the natural culture that the Philippines have. It promotes the importance of the
artifacts that can be seen in the museum. It enlighten every people to love the culture and the
country where we are belong. And lastly, it helps us especially the new generations to
understand the way of living of our ancestors.
-One of the strength I have witnessed inside the museum is that the Facilities are indeed
adequate for the museums style and every gallery is spacious. Also, I think one of the strengths
is the Security. Inside, you have to leave your bag and place it on the baggage counter. I find it
one of their strengths because eventhough it is a free admission they still manage to highly
secure the National Museum.
-Protect artifacts from unnecessary movement like stealing and other inappropriate things by
having CCTV cameras inside and outside the museum. Employ more security guards and other
staff that will over look and assist when there are visitos.
-The artifacts are place very well according to the category. And in every artifact theres a
desciption beside that people can read to understand and know what kind of artifacts it is.
-Some artifacts are not in the glass case, so some people can touch it if the guard are not
around
Background of the National museum of anthropology
The national museum of anthropology built on1916-1918 from a neoclassical design by
Canadian-American architect Ralph Harrington Doane when he was consulting architect to the
Philippine government, the building formerly housed the Department of Finance. It also houses
the wreck of the San Diego, ancient artifacts, and zoology divisions
One of the oldest foundations of the National Museum, the Anthropology Division traces its
beginnings back to 1901. The Division consisted of three sections: Archaeology, Ethnography,
and Physical Anthropology. The Anthropology Division had devoted practically half of its life in
archaeological and ethnological studies and researches, focusing on the earliest man on
Philippine grounds and pre-historic culture. Tragically, however, most of the records turned into
ashes during World War II, leaving the Division with nothing but vivid memories and
recollections of past efforts.
In 1962, Dr. Robert B. Fox, Chief Anthropologist of the National Museum, discovered the
fossilized Pleistocene skull of the oldest man in the Philippines inside the Tabon Caves of
Quezon, Palawan. The discovery drew international attention and recognition, thus placing
Philippine Anthropology in the limelight. As a result, the National Museum received grants from
the National Geographic Society and the National Science Development Board for the
production and publication of "Tabon Caves: Archaeological Exhibitions and Explorations in
Palawan Island, Philippines" in 1968.