ARTS

Quarter I:
FOLK ARTS OF LUZON (Highlands and Lowlands)

This lesson will introduce you to the folk arts and designs of Luzon, the largest island of our
country. Luzon in the northern most part of the Philippine Archipelago that includes the island of Luzon itself,
the Batanes and Babuyan groups of islands to the north, and outlying islands of Catanduanes, Marinduque,
Masbate, Romblon, Palawan, and Mindoro in the south. Luzon is the economic and political center of the
Philippines, being home to the countrys capital city, Manila.

Art is part of life of the indigenous people of the Philippines. This is shown in the things that they
use every day which are rich in traditional colors and patterns. These art forms reflect their tribal background.

Why are the different indigenous people in the Philippines excellent in arts and crafts?

When our forefathers first set foot on our country, they made use of the available materials for their
needs. They used hardwood and timbers for posts. They also used coconut fronds (leaves) as roofs and walls for
their huts. For their floors, they flattened bamboo slices. The things they used at home are also made of native
materials. They used bamboo tubes for for cooking utensils and rattan or nito for baskets. Later on, they used
more durable materials and added some refinements on their crafts. They improved their craftsmanship either
from their own traditional ways or from borrowing techniques used by other tribes.

Highlands Cultural Communities

IFUGAO
What are the Ifugaos famous Artworks?
- The ifugaos who live on the mountains part of the central Cordillera in Northern Luzon are excellent weavers, potterers,
and skillfull craftsmen. They make use of the buri, bamboo nito, and rattan which are abundant in their surroundings.
-They are also well-known in carving the mountain slopes of the worl-d famous Banaue rice terraces.
-The ifugaos are also famous for woodcarving, textile weaving, and basket weaving.

1. The Ifugao woodcarvings

The ifugaos are famous for their mastery of wood carving. An example is the wood carving of their deity, bul-ul.
This bul-ul is important to them because of their belief that they can have an abundant harvest when this carving is
placed near rice granaries.
Another important woodcarving is the hagabi this is a piece of wood which is unique because it is carved to
become a bench. This hagabi is a sign of riches; thus many wealthy Ifugaos own this kind of woodcarving.

2. Textile weavings of the Ifugaos

 Ifugaos weave blankets, upper garment, G-strings, hand bags, belts and a lot more. It has been part of their
tradition to weave for their familys clothing needs. At present, weaving has become a good source of income to many
Ifugaos.

FYI
Only women and girls do the actual weaving. The men make the weaving instruments

3. Textile weavings of the Ifugaos

The Ifugaos produce baskets to serve the needs of the family. They use baskets for storing and cooked food.
They also use baskets for keeping household utensils, clothes, and personal belongings. Baskets are also used for catching
pests and domesticating animals, and for rituals and religious ceremonies.

The most popular material in basket weaving is rattan and kokolongkoy vine.

BENGUET
What are the famous Artworks of the people in Benguet?
The Igorots are hillside dwellers; this condition explains why most of them are farmers.
Artistic expression are related to farming
Such as Tinalik Baskets made of Rattan

BATANES
What are the famous Artworks of the people in Batanes?

STONE HOUSE- made of limestone to adapt the frequent weather disturbances

VAKUL- head covering of people. Made of natural grass for rain and sun.