New book on Philippine art

[Albert]

Title: In the Shape of Tradition, Indigenous Art of the Northern Philippines.

Author: Eric Moltzau Anderson et al.

Publisher: C. Zwartenkot Art Books,[/IMG] www.ethnographicartbooks.com
Leiden 2010

ISBN-978-90-5450-009-4

Format: 29 x 22.5 cm. Cloth in dustjacket.

Pages: 416

Illustrations: 753 illustrations including 150 historical b/w plates, maps and objects. On the subject of weapons: eighteen spears, eleven hatchets, five swords, thirty-three shields and thirty-two b/w field photographs of armed warriors dating from between 1870 and the early 20th century are depicted.

Language: English.

Price: € 98.00

Read by: Albert G. van Zonneveld

"In the Shape of Tradition" is a monumental, 416 pp. tome on the indigenous art and culture of Northern Luzon (the northern Philippines). It is the first publication since 1890 to focus entirely on the traditional cultures of this region in full width to present us with its impressive wealth and variety of forms. The objects discussed indeed bear witness to a spectacular artistry. They are drawn from museum collections and from the acquisitions of dealers in tribal art, worldwide. The chapter on weapons (see below) counts 31 pp.

The structure of the chapters is as follows:
- The ethnic names including a detailed overview of the terms and their origins used when referring to the various groups and subgroups.
- A historical survey spanning from the Spanish period (1565-1898) until the mid-20th century. Introduced here are the military, missionaries, explorers and researchers, all sorts of conditions of men, who have written of this history.
- An overview of cultures provides an insight into the culture of the Isneg/ Apayao, Itneg, Kalinga, Pagan Gaddang, Bontoc, Ifuago, Kankanay, Ibaloy, Ikalahan/Kalanguya, Iwak, Ilongot and Negrito. Each culture is described, including a brief comment on warfare.
- The traditions and styles that, in spite of the variation in art, form a unity with the highlands of the Gran Cordillera Central as its cultural centre. The various characteristics of the applied decorations are dealt with here.
- Sculptural art. The finest wooden objets d’art are carved. Ancestor figures and other ritual human figures are amply discussed as are the large variety of utensils and parts of houses, decorated with especially human or animal figures.
- Textiles. The raw materials, weaving, the application and the often ritual significance of textiles are described here.
- Wickerwork. Baskets are the main subject here, with a systematic breakdown according to type and purpose.
- Personal adornment: tattoos, earrings, necklaces, beads, bracelets, hats and other jewelry with a huge variety of colors and materials.
- Weapons. Mostly (throwing) spears, lances, swords, battle-axes and shields were used in warfare. A lance and shield were preferred in man to man combat. The lances (balbeg) illustrated show a wide variety of heads. The battle-axes (ligua, liwa) vary, too, albeit with the same basic shape, according to their place of origin. Furthermore, the various forms of the sword (bolo) are discussed. Shields (calata) are dealt with most elaborately and classified in four (main) types. Finally, various aspects of head-hunting are addressed.
- Various other curiosities. A mixed collection is discussed: accessories linked to the use of betel and tobacco (including pipes), items made of bamboo or shells, musical instruments.
Finally, the extensive bibliography contains more than 260 entries. .

In summary, a grandiose publication: comprehensive, hugely informative, and excellently illustrated. A finely balanced lay-out supports the contents providing a sumptuous appeal.
A disadvantage to the weapon aficionado is perhaps that only a single chapter (31 pp.) is devoted specifically to the subject of this predilection. However, this is more than counterbalanced by abundance (seventy weapons and thirty b/w historical field photographs depicting weapons), age (the majority are dated prior to 1900) and the high quality of craftsmanship. All in all, "In the Shape of Tradition" is a very worthy addition to the series of reference works previously published by C. Zwartenkot Art Books. Highly recommended.

[Albert]

Here is the front cover, with a fine example of one of the shields.

[Albert]

Two of my most favourite pages. Enjoy!!