Beschrijving

This volume serves as a beautifully illustrated catalogue of the collections held by the National Museum of the Philippines, featuring over 50 remarkable artefacts from the Philippines’ diverse cultural heritage. It covers major categories such as ancestral religious objects, indigenous artefacts, colonial-era gold work, and modern Philippine art. Through detailed photographic plates and accompanying commentary, the book situates each piece historically and culturally, allowing readers to appreciate both its aesthetic value and its role in Philippine history.

The narrative framework of the book weaves five thematic threads: the continuity of indigenous traditions, the encounter with colonial powers, the transformation under modern Philippine society, the interplay of faith and material culture, and the assertion of a national identity through art. For example, entries discuss how pre-colonial gold-work and ritual objects speak to spiritual world-views; how Spanish and American colonial periods introduced new forms and materials; and how contemporary Philippine artists respond to this legacy. The commentary is accessible to general readers while still offering scholarly insights.

Finally, the book reflects on the museum’s role in preserving and interpreting Philippine cultural heritage. It emphasises how artefacts are more than museum pieces — they are tangible links to the archipelago’s past, community memories, and evolving art forms. The catalogue invites readers not only to view the objects, but to understand their meaning within local narratives, regional diversity and global art history. Thus, the book stands as both an art-historical reference and a celebration of the Philippines’ rich cultural roots.