The Gold of Ancestors: Pre-Colonial Philippine Treasures

Openwork basket, Surigao, 10th-13th century

What a wonderful surprise this exhibition is! These gold objects, about a thousand of them, add a rich layer to Philippine history. This collection which was found in various sites in the Philippines, date back to the 10th-13th centuries. It demonstrates the well developed culture of pre colonial Philippines which the Spaniard, Antonio Pigafetta, recorded in 1521 when Ferdinand Magellan landed in the islands. A thriving interchange between the Philippines and its Asian neighbors existed prior to the arrival of Magellan as attested by some of these gold accouterments which show for example, images from Hindu mythology. The motifs and curvilinear ornamentation of the openwork basket (shown above) intimate Chinese designs found in their ceramics and textiles.

Torso halter, torso ornament, Gold of Ancestors, Ayala museum, Philippines

Torso ornament, 10th-13th century

Weighing four kilos of gold, this sash is worn across the chest similar to the upavita (sacred thread) style in Hindu culture. This sash weighs 3.8 kilos (8.37 lbs) and may have been worn by a datu or chieftain during important ceremonial events.

Neck ornament, Caubalejo, Mindoro, 10-13th century

Neck ornament

Waistband, Surigao, 10th-13th century

This waistband weighs more than half a kilo of gold.

Chastity covers

Young women wore chastity or modesty covers until puberty to protect their private parts. The practice of wearing these covers existed in other Southeast Asian cultures as well. Silver covers were predominantly used. Gold chastity covers identified the affluence of the wearer. Notice the intricate designs of these covers.

Ear ornament, Butuan, Agusan del Norte, 10th-13th century

This pair of earrings show fruits and buds growing from a leafy branch. The intricacy and size/weight of the ornament reveal the social status and wealth of the wearer. Both men and women wore ear ornaments, men had one or two holes per lobe while women had as many as four holes per lobe.

Ear ornaments

Ear ornaments, Visayas

These earrings with spangles were called kayong kayong and were found only in the Visayas. This indicates “specific cultural preferences”* among various regions in the country.

*Source: Video from Ayala Museum. Curator’s Tour: Gold of Ancestors, Pre Colonial Treasures in the Philippines

Pectoral, Butuan, Agusan del Norte, 10th-13th century

This pectoral is embellished with a 14-petal flower at the center surrounded by concentric forms, fowl and aquatic animals.

Diadem

Golden diadems were worn by the deceased. It proclaimed their status and ensured their welcome in the afterworld.

Diadem, Butuan, Agusan del Norte, 10th-13th century

Funerary mask, Northeastern Mindanao, 10th -13th century

Gold masks were worn by the deceased to prevent evil spirits from taking over their body.

Garuda ornaments

Two plaques with the image of a Hindu deity (center),

two studs and a neck ornament

Kinnari vessel, Surigao, 10th-13th century

The kinnari is a half horse, half human creature from Hindu mythology. In Southeast Asia, the half horse became a half bird. The kinnari represents beauty and music. This object may have been used as a vessel pourer.

Finial

Bowl, Surigao, 10th-13th century

Gold of Ancestors exhibition will be on view at the Ayala Museum until 2027. Don’t wait till then to see it. This exhibition deserves more than a single visit.

Ayala Museum

Makati Avenue, corner De La Rosa Street

Greenbelt Park, Makati, Philippines

Check their website for hours and entry fees. Seniors have a discounted entry fee. ayalamuseum.org

Check out also my post about the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum in Costa Rica at this link: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2022/02/all-that-glitters.html

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Images by TravelswithCharie 2024

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