Week 7

LOCAL MATERIALS TO CONTEMPORARY ARTS WEEK 7
Local Materials to Contemporary Arts

The Philippines is very rich in natural resources. With our artistic inclinations, we can maximize the use of these
natural resources even in creating art. The environment abounds in giving us the necessities that we need not only for day-
to-day consumption but also for work to keep us financially stable and to give us inspiration. Arts express artistic feelings
toward any aspect of life. The local materials that are available in the locality help us hone and enhance our skills and talents
in producing works of art that can give us pride and popularity.
Contemporary artists found used bottles, hay, rice stalks, plastic straw, and other recyclable materials useful in
creating artworks. They create artworks from wood, wire, thread, rattan, metal, and even leaves. The real artist sees beauty
even from the peelings of garlic and corn. They can combine red, yellow, green, and different other colors.
Some regions or provinces become noted for their unique artworks like the "PAHIYAS" Lucban, Quezon; The
decorative and multi-colored lanterns of San Fernando Pampanga, and the wood carving in Paete, Laguna. The artists in
these places make use of the most available local materials found in their localities. There are art forms that seem to be
dying because the younger generations do not seem to have an interest in leaving them. These are the following folk arts:
Saniculas Cookie Mold Carvings (Pampanga)

- These Sanikulas Cookies are arrowroot cookies that have the image of St. Nicholas
molded on it, ergo the name Sanikulas.
- St. Nicholas is also known as "The Healer" from illnesses. Legend says that if you
consume these cookies when you are ill, you get healed and recover in a shorter
amount of time than it would usually take.
- The molds are an exceptional piece of folk art and a rarity.
- Sanikulas cookie makers would commission the carvers of these molds with one-of-a-kind designs.
- They would also have the initials of the owner monogram on the molds. Therefore, it's so rare and considered a
family heirloom. The molds are made of hardwood and are of different shapes and sizes. They would have been a
carved piece and wooden presser.
Pabalot or Pastillas Wrapper Cutting Art (Bulacan)

- The wrapper was made out of delicate Japanese paper. The way to make it is so
delicate that only the ones with skilled hands and perfect control of their motor skills
can produce the best kind.
Taka (Laguna)
- The art of "Taka" or "Taka-Making" is not an exclusive Pinoy art. Paper Mache and
discouraging have been around for centuries.
- In the Philippines, the first recorded mention of a created "Taka" was by a woman
named Maria Bangue in the 1920s. She has wooden molds that were covered with strips
of paper clipped in the sticky paste. She would later paint them carefully and present
them as children's toys. Due to fire, none of the original takas were saved.
- Taka making became more popular during the American colonization period when there was an excess of
newsprint. And because Pinoy hates wasting anything, the people of Paete decided to create more Takas and even
diversified into different animals, not just the traditional horse
Pagbuburda (Taal, Lumban, Laguna)

- The art of embroiling is happily alive and flourishing in the towns. Although it's mostly
done by the women who are wives of the farmers and fishermen, it is not uncommon
to see fishermen and farmers who are also carefully and delicately embroidering floral
designs during their "Off -Season.'
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LOCAL MATERIALS TO CONTEMPORARY ARTS WEEK 7
Singkaban or Bamboo Art

- A fair type of Philippine folk art, Singkaban is the art of shaving bamboo into artful
creations that can be used as décor for arches or the home. Skilled craftsmen patiently
shave off the bamboo, layer by layer, to create curls and delicate twirls of their bamboo.
- Singkaban is usually a celebration of art. Singkaban craftsmen create these gregariously
designed bamboo arches for fiestas, weddings, and other celebrations that involve the
entire community. Perhaps, it is our sense of "Bayanihan" that inspires their art form
ensuring that art is appreciated and accessible to everyone in the community and their
guests.
Puni or Palm Leaf Folding (Bulacan)

- was intended to create artful toys for kids. However, puni can also be used to create
woven baskets, bags, and even fans.
- The most common presentation of Puni art is the "Palaspas" we see every Holy Week.
- Because of the abundance of coconut leaves, the Pinoys have ingeniously created toys
and other items through Puni. Although fresh coconut leaves are most used, the
leaves dry and crumble within a few days. It is more common to use leaves that are
dried, treated and dyed for strength and color.
- These countless artworks showcase not only the creativity of Filipinos but most
especially their ingenuity.
- These materials mostly come from recyclable ones like used bottles (plastic), wood,
rattan, and many others. Aside from artworks of noted personages, there are artworks
that are dying. Something should be done to save them.
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Week 7

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LOCAL MATERIALS TO CONTEMPORARY ARTS WEEK 7

Local Materials to Contemporary Arts

Saniculas Cookie Mold Carvings (Pampanga)

Pabalot or Pastillas Wrapper Cutting Art (Bulacan)

Pagbuburda (Taal, Lumban, Laguna)

Singkaban or Bamboo Art

Puni or Palm Leaf Folding (Bulacan)

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