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our most ancient arts is pottery, which combines design
and function. The Manunggul Jar excavated in Palawan is
evidence of the high artistic level which the art
attained in an ancient times. This large burial jar has
a cover which features tow men rowing a boat, suggesting
the belief of the early Filipinos in an afterlife that
one reaches after crossing a mythical body of water.
Around its body is an incised geometric pattern of lines
and dots. Extant examples of early Philippine pottery
show a wide variety of shapes and decorative techniques,
such an incision, stippling, appliqué, openwork and
impression by rope and mat. Their designs were usually
geometric with stylized nature motifs. Later, pottery
became more and more functional, principal examples of
which are the palayok for cooking, the banga
and the tapayan for storing liquids. In the
Ilocos, the making of burnay pottery continues as
a lively tradition.
Weaving
also originated in precolonial times and is one of our
most precious living traditions. The Cordillera groups
of the North are well-known for their art of weaving.
The blankets and articles of clothing that they produce
by means of the backstrap loom not  only
fulfill a practical function but also play a part in
religion and ritual. This tradition spills over into the
adjacent Ilocos provinces which take pride in their
sturdy abel weave. In Mindanao, the T’boli of
Cotabato weave abaca cloth called t’nalak in a
difficult tie-dye process. This cloth has a large
repertoire of motifs, such as the g’mayaw bird,
whose rhythms create the feeling of flapping wings; the
frog which signifies fertility; and the dancing man
which calls for rain. These motifs attest to the
T’boli’s deep-seated sense of the harmony of man and
nature.
Weaving techniques are also used in the exquisite
mats with vivid colors and intricate geometric designs
woven by the women of Sulu, particularly from the
islands of Laminusa and Siasi. In the Visayas, Samar and
Leyte are known for their colorful mats with bird and
flower designs. The large mats meant for family use
imply strong familial values.
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