Replicas of exquisite gold ornaments worn by notables from Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao reflecting the richness of pre-Hispanic heritage took center stage during the recent launch of Ginto: A Golden Heritage from our Filipino Ancestors exhibit at the Atrium of The Block at SM City North EDSA.
The exhibit, which is a joint project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and SM, showcased ancient gold ornaments crafted by Filipinos from 700 to 1,200 years ago and which are now part of the BSP pre-Hispanic gold collection.
According to records, the 10th and 14th centuries in the Philippines were marked by economic and social progress, the time when artistic and scientific developments also occurred. Gold ornaments unearthed from the said periods manifest a rich culture that was already in existence almost 300 years before the Spanish came to the Philippines.
The abundance of gold did not go unnoticed by Spanish explorers who landed in the Philippines during the 16th century. “Pieces of gold, the size of walnuts and eggs, are found by sitting on the earth in the island,” the colonizers noted. Since gold was abundant, ancient Filipinos became masters in crafting art pieces that demonstrate not only their skillful mastery of metallurgy, physics, chemistry, and other sciences, but also of political, cultural, economic, religious and artistic expressions.
Featured during the exhibit were bracelets with fluted designs and flaming rims from the Cagayan Valley; large conical necklace finials and a pair of long pendant double-swirl earrings from Pangasinan; a terra-cotta figure with inlaid gold from Batangas; and large square quatrefoil earrings and a bracelet set, both from Mindoro.
The BSP pre-Hispanic gold collection from the Visayas includes Patan-aw or “Look at Me” earrings from Leyte, Cebu and Bohol; a T-shape dagger handle from Cebu; and caterpillar-shaped ear ornaments from Samar and Leyte.
From Mindanao, the exquisite collection featured Kandit sashes; belt buckles or finials; dragonfly necklaces; Kamagi bead necklaces; and a pair of waist cord finials, all from Surigao.
Leading the ribbon cutting were BSP deputy governor Diwa Guinigundo and Corporate Affairs director Fe dela Cruz, NCCA division chief Marichu Tellano and International Affairs head Mary Anne Luis, and SM senior vice president for Marketing Millie Dizon.
Also gracing the exhibit opening were BSP officials that include deputy director of Corporate Affairs Atty. Elizabeth Navarro, bank officer Ramon Sarmiento and Corporate Affairs manager Jay Amatong. From the NCCA came International Affairs project manager Ian Felix Alquiros and Project Development assistant Kevin Joshua Mejos. SM Supermalls regional operations manager Jocelyn Lapid and senior AVP for Marketing Ruby Reyes were also on hand to welcome the guests.
Rendering more excitement for the event was the UST singers who serenaded mall goers with performances under the baton of Prof. Fidel Calalang Jr.