Lunes, Oktubre 3, 2011

Sneak Peek: Traditional Structures

A week before the grand opening of this year Dayaw: The Indigenous Peoples Festival, the Energy park in Apokon, Tagum City is closed to the public for the finishing touches done on the vernacular houses and related structures as well as to the four pavilions for the exhibits of indigenous arts and crafts (from textiles to basketry; pottery to traditional wines; ethnic musical instruments to indigenous costumes). 

Here are some snippet photos of the prominent structures showcased and displayed for Dayaw 2011 that very much represent the richness of the indigenous peoples' scraftsmanship and artistry.   







One of the notable features one can see upon entering the Energy Park in Tagum City (this year's main venue of the Dayaw Festival: National Indigenous Peoples Festival) are the group of installation  of renowned Dabawenyo Artist Kublai Milan.

This "aviary" masterpieces set a distinct symbolism to the world of carrying on the dream and bringing it to a higher notch. An iconic symbol for the dreams of the country's indigenous peoples, this is a fitting design which sends a message to all of us: the dream of our indigenous peoples for peace is also our dream.

 As such, like the flight of birds, the journey towards a peaceful society lies on all of us.













An impressive feature of the traditional houses erected in Energy Park for the Dayaw festival is the Ifugao dwelling called the Bale. Ifugao houses employed indigenous system of construction that is more fuctional than its seeming simplicity.

One of its unique facets is the installation of the wooden discs called lidi on its four posts to prevent rats from entering the house and damage the dried harvested rice. Ifugao architecture is intertwined with that of the people, their socio-cultural beliefs and survival practices, as well as their traditional knowledge systems.

While the rest of us now starts to understand its intrinsic values, at the midst of modernization, these architectural gems are at the verge of extinction, a disturbing reality which practically threatens the survival of its people’s heritage.









The inomungan made by the Ata Manobo of the natural resources and cultural tradition rich Talaingod in Davao del Norte, standing 10 to 12 feet high, is a notable structure built for the Dayaw 2011 in E-park, Tagum City  .
 The Ata Manobo craftsmen are known for their fast and skillful works, and like other indigenous peoples,  utilizes available materials in their surroundings. The inamungan is a tangible architectural heritage of the Ata Manobo built for agricultural and community purposes. The minimal support but unbelievably sturdy flooring  made out of bamboos is intended to shake so as to make harvested rice processing easy. And on some special occasions, the elevated structure is used as venue for the tribe’s gatherings and  important discussions.



Come and visit Dayaw 2011 this October 7-9 for a different cultural experience and be one with the Indigenous Peoples in celebrating, despite the diferences in our dialects and traditions, our commonalities in aspiring for a peaceful motherland.




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