Historical Development of
Philippine Art
Lesson Summary
This lesson covers the development of the Philippine Art commencing from the indigenous beginning until
the contemporary status. The content also elaborates various art forms in the country that present the unique
culture of the Filipino people from all walks of life. This lesson aims to provide the readers a concrete grasp
of the tangible things that Filipinos should be proud of. Hence, it will help you appreciate the history, beauty
and development of Philippine art.
Learning Outcomes
1. Trace the development of arts in terms of aesthetics, appreciate
art in the contemporary practice; and,
2. Appreciate the history and development of the Philippine Art.
Motivation Question
What are the different traditions of the indigenous community that you know about? Were you able to
have an opportunity to connect, use, interact and expose yourself to the different traditional Filipino culture
in the form of music, architecture, events, and etc.?
Discussion
Culture and Arts of the Philippines
The traditional Filipino arts greatly impact in improving the lives of the people because of its nature and
aesthetics for it does not only speak for itself but also the people/community manifesting it. Filipino art is a
Multi-valued and multifunctional form of art since it provides pleasure and entertainment. This is just one of
the many reasons why Asian art in general is socially appealing. The music of the indigenous people
possesses not only the aesthetic aspect but also the expressions that stimulate physical discipline, tool for
healing, social interaction, rituals, mode of expression and a way of affirming beliefs, values and intellectual
exercise and entertainment.
It is evident that art provides us a unique idea of who we are as a person and a group of people. Hence, it is
important for us to cut the barriers in terms of social, intellectual, technical and political obstacles in
pursuing and flowering the Philippine arts as we continually discover who we really are as we establish our
identity as Filipino people. During the pre-Hispanic period, ancient Filipinos were proud and civilized
individuals having their own set of culture. Their art forms signify their skills and knowledge as well as
incorporating their beliefs mostly in animistic nature.
1. Balangay/Balanghai or Butuan boat is an edge-pegged plank type of boat. A hard wood named doongon
was used to create the plank. This type of boat was discovered in 1978 and believed to be dated 320 A.D.
The balangay can accommodate 25 people and is designed for longer voyage. The early Filipinos used this
in trading that sails in small waters as well as distribute commodities to remote areas. This recovery of the
boat implies that early Filipinos are competent, creative and skillful enough to compete with other Asian
countries.
Figure 1 Butuan's Ancient Balangay (Image source: goodnew.pilipinas
2. Bulol also called as “Ifugao rice God” is a carved human statue which is believed to be incorporated by a
certain anito when worshipped. The Bulols, usually made in pairs, are usually placed in the granary. Also, it
is believed to contain spirits capable of reassuring abundance in harvest and increasing of rice yields as well
as protect against catastrophes.
Figure 2 Ifugao Bulol (Rice God)- The Abong Native
Crafts
(Image source:abong.weebly.com)
3. Lingling-o is a kind of pendant made out from jade. It
is described as a ring with a slit on one side in order to fit
a pierced earlobe. The finest jade ornament was found in
the cave of Duyong in Palawan. The found jade was an
evidence of excellent craftsmanship of early Filipinos. The other pendant was also recovered in Cagayan,
Arku, Uyaw, Guri and Rito-Fabian Caves in Palawan. This kind of ornament, in a form of pendant, does not
only use jades but also shells, clay, and stones.
4. Arnis, also called Kali and Eskrima, is a unique and traditional way of fighting technique of the ancient
warriors of the country. At present, it is the national sport and fighting style of the Philippines. This
technique can be executed without the use of extended weapons such as sticks, knives, and any other object
used in battling with the opponent. During the arrival of Spaniards in the Philippines, the use of the Arnis
and its technique was prohibited. However, it was preserved through the native dance ritual called Sayaw Ni
Kamatayan or The Dance of Death. It was converted into a dance so as to mislead the Spaniards as well as
to pass it from one generation to the next.
Figure 3. Bamboo Arnis Sticks
4. Prehistoric Pottery has been existing and later was then exposed through archaeological discovery during
the Neolithic period. Evidences showed that early Filipinos have been using polished stone, shell, baled-like
tools, shell adze and red-slipped pottery. The discovery of materials in the same site proved that the use of
metal was prevalent. In addition, the period was also a time for the development of metals and Golden Age
of Pottery. This era revealed the complex and civilized society.
5. Prehistoric Weaving already existed prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. Native Filipinos used abaca,
pineapple, cotton and bark cloth in order to create fibers. Baskets were weaved and used as storage for
transport grains and also to catch fish. In fact, ancient Filipinos were not naked upon the arrival of
Spaniards. They were wearing a kind of cloth unique to their culture and tradition. Some of the evidences
can be found in the National Museum of the Philippines such as, “Hiblang Lahing Pilipino” showcasing the
significance of preserving the weaving as an integral part of the Philippine culture.
6. Batok or Batek is a kind of tattooing in the Province of Kalinga Cordillera. The most renowned artist is
Whang-Od, who was considered as the last mambabatok. Natives has been practicing tattooing for centuries
before the spread of Christianity. Upon the arrival of Spaniards in the Visayas Island, they called the natives
as “pintados” meaning “painted people” since most of their entire body were covered with tattoos.
7. Kampilan is a sword with a single bicuspid weapon with a handle made of brass and ivory. It is adorned
with human hair strands and it is greatly known for cutting heads and splitting bodies into two from top to
toe. It has a length of 1.02 meters considered as an important item of the Anthropology Division since it is a
rare ethnographic material.
Hispanic Period
1. Bahay na Bato is a type of house that was developed in the Philippine Spanish Colonial period. It is a
modified bahay kubo as it maintain the architectural basis in order to combat tropical climate, storm, and
earthquake. This design was brought about when Manila opened for international trade in the 1800s. Hence,
it augmented the wealth and state of Filipinos. As time flies, the elite seek for a better and spacious type of
dwelling which was comfortable, impressive, noble and elegant.
2. Baroque Churches of the Philippines were made between 16th and the 18th century in the Spanish period
here in the Philippines. This churches mark a standard style of construction that harmonized with the
environmental condition in the Philippines. The basic characteristics of the churches are their squat,
monumental and massive look that depict a fortress like character in response to pirates, marauders, as well
as defense to seismic activities. These churches are either made of stones or bricks fused with lime adorned
with altars of high Baroque Style.
3. Painting During Spanish Period. The Spanish friars introduced western painting in the country. During the
first century of Spanish colonization, paintings were only used for religious purposes. Subjects are portraits
of the Saint and of Holy family. Josef Luciano Dans, a well-known pioneer painter in the Philippine art
history, produced two notable works displayed in the Paete church in Laguna. The first painting was
named,”Langit, Lupa and Impierno” featuring Christ, Holy trinity, Mother God Mary and seven blessed
sacraments. However, the second painting
named, “Purgartorio” described the agony of the souls while passing unto
the eight types of punishment as a form of purification before reaching heaven.
Figure 5. Paoay Church (Vigattingtourism.com)
Figure 4 Bahay na Bato
4. Sculpture in the time of Spaniards were Christian-themed art common in the 17th and 19th century. A lot
of religious images were of carved wooden santos or saints as well painting of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.
It is clear that upon the arrival of Spaniards, there were a lot of art forms introduced to the natives. The
creation of anito was converted into sculpture in the form of saints. Santos were utilized for the church altars
as replacement of the anitos. The usual parts of the church with carvings were at the church doors, pulpits
and floats. Facades of the church also have carvings from adobe, coral stones and volcanic rocks.
5. Graphic arts. In the 1950’s, Spanish colonizers introduced engraving in a book entitled, “La Doctrina
Christiana en la Lengua Espanola y Tagala” with a woodcut engraving of St. Dominic by Juan de Veyra. At
the time, printing presses were owned by religious orders since books related to prayers were only permitted
to reproduce. Estampas were allowed by the ruling of colonial government featuring religious portraits of
saints and other religious pictures. The advancement of innovation took place in the 18th century wherein
they upgraded into copper printing which later became popular for Filipino engravers named: Francisco
Suarez, Laureano Atlas and Felipe Silva. They were the first ones to imprint their signature into their
artworks.
Figure 6 Spanish Colonial Art (Image source: Arts and Antiques Magazine)
Figure 7. Cover of Doctrina Christiana feat St. Dominic
6. Philippine Dance in the Spanish Period. Spain shaped the lives of Filipinos in many ways. They occupied
the country for more than three centuries which allowed them to influence Filipinos in terms of economics,
politics, religion and culture. They even influenced natives in terms of performances in the field of music
and choreographic practices. For example, the Itik-itik and Tinikling were adapted from the tempo of polka
and jota, respectively. In addition, they did not only modified the ritual and occupational practices but also
brought their own dance. Some of those dances are: Jota and Fandango.
Figure 8 Carinosa
7. Fiesta is a Spanish word for party or festivity. It is a type of activity held during national and traditional
occasion preferably to honor the saints of the community. This occasion involves banderitas (flaglets) and
carrozas (processional carts), marching bands and ample of food. This type of event has been strongly rooted
in the Filipino culture. It is considered as the favorite subject for painters like Carlos “Butong” Franciso who
is a National Artist for Visual Arts.
Figure 9 Sinulog Festival
American Period
The coming of Americans brought about a new form of art to the
Filipino people which also influenced their outlook in life. It is evident that the
Americans educated the Filipinos in terms of their way of thinking and
creativity in many aspects.
1. Architecture
The government led by Emilio Aguinaldo was defeated by the Americans and was freed from the Spaniards
by the Treaty of Paris. The American occupation brought about the birth of new architectural structures. It
was at this generation that the Americans introduced a famous Architect from Chicago in the name of Dan
Burnham He was able to design buildings that is in line with the existing style but uses sturdy materials.
2. Painting
During the American occupation, the Filipinos suffered because Americans were determined to make the
Philippines their new colony in the East. Their goal was to conquer the entire country and inject their culture
in the education and governance aspect. In the secular education context, the use of cartoons and books were
applied which also opened a new curriculum of fine arts. The famous Filipino painter named
Fabian Dela Rosa was recognized for his portraits and landscape genre mixed with subdue colors. His
nephew, Fernando Amorsolo, also captivated the interest of the public because of his paintings. His
paintings were overflowing with colors such as yellow and orange depicting the Philippine landscape. He
also drew rural life scenes showcasing the life of the working natives by portraying the fishermen and
farmers enjoying their tasks. Aside from painting landscapes and portraits, painters also worked on
advertising and book designs. The most popular was the “Markang Demonyo” for Ginebra San Miguel. In
the 1908, the University of the Philippines was founded by the Americans. The School of Fine Arts was
established in the 1909 serving as a local academy for arts. Modernization began in the 1800’s with Miguel
Zaragosa’s two pointillist works. In 1928, a show at Philippine Columbian Club in Ermita was launch by
Victorio C. Edades. In 1934, Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco and Galo B. Ocampo helped Edades create a
mural called Triumvirate of the Modern Art in the country.
3. Sculpture
A Filipino sculptor dominated Philippine sculpture named Guillermo Tolentino with his works in the first
decade of the 20th century. He created the Andres Bonifacio monument expressing an attitude of a Filipino
that amidst persecution, early people were able to remain strong and proud. The Oblation, a symbol of the
top university in the Philippines, is a symbol of discipline, ideals, order, symmetry and restraint. The statue
stands with arms wide open to accept knowledge and change. However, it was Napoleon Abueva, a student
of Tolentino, who went against the standards of his professor by working with different materials by
combining sculptural and functional qualities. He created a stylized, yet simplified and abstract works under
the guidance of different artists such as Moore and Brancusi.
Contemporary Arts
The development of Philippine arts in terms of practice, technique and
medium paved a way of artists to play with different art forms. A relief
sculpture is a kind of sculpture projected from a flat surface that does not
have a flat horizontal base. This kind of sculpture is created in a traditional
way by removing parts of the material by building up or forming. However, it
was in the 60s and 70s when artist experimented with other mediums. Here
are the following:
4. Use of Glass
5. Symbolic Sculpture
6. Advertising Ad
7. Bamboo Art
8. Basketry
9. Costumes
10. Embroidery
11. Food art
12. Furniture
13. Komiks
14. Leaf Art
15. Mat Weaving
16. Metalcraft
17. Multimedia
18. Conceptual Art
19. Installation Art
20. Performance Art
21. Paper Art
22. Personal Ornaments
23. Pottery
24. Earthenware or Terracotta
25. Stoneware
26. Porcelain
27. Printmaking
28. Tattoo Art
29. Textile Weaving
