Introduction to Sociology

and

Anthropology

Submitted by: Dianne Irish N. Mabasa

Cherie B. Omar

Erika Joyce Muñoz

Mhika Gratuito

Mary Margarette Herrera

The national museum of anthropology built on1916-1918 from a neoclassical

design by Canadian-American architect Ralph Harrington Doane when he was

consulting architect to the Philippine government, the building formerly housed the

Department of Finance. It also houses the wreck of the San Diego, ancient artifacts, and

zoology divisions

One of the oldest foundations of the National Museum, the Anthropology Division

traces its beginnings back to 1901. The Division consisted of three sections:

Archaeology, Ethnography, and Physical Anthropology. The Anthropology Division had

devoted practically half of its life in archaeological and ethnological studies and

researches, focusing on the earliest man on Philippine grounds and pre-historic culture.

Tragically, however, most of the records turned into ashes during World War II, leaving

the Division with nothing but vivid memories and recollections of past efforts.

In 1962, Dr. Robert B. Fox, Chief Anthropologist of the National Museum,

discovered the fossilized Pleistocene skull of the oldest man in the Philippines inside the

Tabon Caves of Quezon, Palawan. The discovery drew international attention and
recognition, thus placing Philippine Anthropology in the limelight. As a result, the

National Museum received grants from the National Geographic Society and the

National Science Development Board for the production and publication of "Tabon

Caves: Archaeological Exhibitions and Explorations in Palawan Island, Philippines" in

1968.
Comments and recommendations (Strengths and weaknesses of the museum)

- Museums play a big role in reminding us of how we grow as a people. Through

arts, installations, and precious artifacts, they awaken our desire to know more about

our rich culture, our history, and our environment, which make up our national identity.

The national museum of anthropology in manila has a really good structure. All the

artifacts are well preserved.

- National Museum plays an important role in every Filipino and in the country. It

serves as an evidence of the natural culture that the Philippines have. It promotes the

importance of the artifacts that can be seen in the museum. It enlightens every people

to love the culture and the country where we are belonging. And lastly, it helps us

especially the new generations to understand the way of living of our ancestors.

-One of the strengths I have witnessed inside the museum is that the Facilities are

indeed adequate for the museums style and every gallery is spacious. Also, I think one

of the strengths is the Security. Inside, you have to leave your bag and place it on the

baggage counter. I find it one of their strengths because even though it is a free

admission, they still manage to highly secure the National Museum.

-Protect artifacts from unnecessary movement like stealing and other inappropriate

things by having CCTV cameras inside and outside the museum. Employ more security

guards and other staff that will overlook and assist when there are visitors.

-The artifacts are place very well according to the category. And in every artifact

there’s a description beside that people can read to understand and know what kind of

artifacts it is.
1. MASUSO POT

The masuso pots (or breast pots) are ceramic objects

whose origin and cultural significance are still

unknown. The complete lack of data was the result of

looting and destruction of archaeological sites.

Two variations of the masuso pot can be viewed at the National Museum: one with four

breasts and another one with breasts facing seven directions.

How important of the artifacts for the Filipino society

Masuso Pots are important, it is used in Arable farming and cattle-breeding

meant that people needed pots for storing cereals and dairy products. Pottery vessels

were also used at the end of the Mesolithic period, but they were a little cruder and less

varied. In the Neolithic period several types of vessel were made.

2. LAGUNA-COPPER PLATE

The earliest known evidence for written

literature in the history of the Philippines, the

Laguna Copperplate Inscription is a sheet of

copper metal with ancient writing discovered in

the province of Laguna in 1989. The text was

hammered out onto the copper sheet in Old Kawi script, but the language appears to be
in Old Malay English Translation of the said The Laguna Copperplate Inscription: Long

Live! Year of Siyaka 82

How important of the artifacts for the Filipino society

- It proves that we already had written language and literacy more than a thousand

years ago. Also, we can see that the natives had their own way of doing things. In

addition to that, it tells us a story that we as an Individual in the society should enrich.

3. MANUNGGUL JAR

The cultural treasure found in the early 1960’s

in Manunggul Cave, Lipuun Point, Palawan is a

secondary burial jar. On top of the jar cover or

lid is a boat with two human figures representing

two souls on a voyage to the afterlife. The

boatman is seated behind a figure whose hands

are crossed on the chest. The position of the hands is a traditional Filipino practice

observed when arranging the corpse.

How important of the artifacts for the Filipino society

The Manunggul Jar is important because it is reminding us how compassionate and

great the Filipinos. The Manunggul Jar has the vision that the new generation of a

Filipinos will once more take the ancient balangay as a people and be horizon seekers

once more.
4. VAKUL AND KANAYI

Vakul is the quintessential headgear worn

by women and kanayi are the vests

draped on men when they work in the

field. Made from shredded leaves of

voyavoy or Philippine date palm, this all-

weather gear is unique to the Ivatans and

are still worn to this day.

How important of the artifacts for the Filipino society

Both are used as protective coverings particularly while in the fields. Vakul (left) are

exclusively used by the women, while kanayi (right) paired with the local casave they

call kalogong by the men

5. BASKET (HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS OF

LUMAD)

Baskets are commonly seen in most Lumad

households. These are used in storing foods

from hunting and gathering forest products,

and keeping both personal and household

items. These are commonly used with

bamboos, rattan, and pandan. These are made with various shapes and sizes and may
contain grains, root crops and fish products. Typically, baskets are coated with Tabon

tabon a pulp or pitch from its nuts mixed with lime for waterproofing.

How important of the artifacts for the Filipino society

- Baskets have many functions and forms. They hold things, store and transport them.

For historians, ethnologists and anthropologists, they carry the history of a place, its

culture and socioeconomic heritage from one era to another.

6.RITUALS

Filipino Muslims also celebrate important

of life-cycle rituals, such ad birth, rites of

passages, weddings and death which

commonly involve feasting. These show

the persistence of indigenous beliefs and

practices alongside Islamic faith.

How important of the artifacts for the Filipino society

For many Filipinos, fiestas are important because of the miraculous power of the saints.

Fiestas reflect Filipino religion and faith, which are the most essential part of society.

Nowadays, however, a distinguishing cultural

aspect that is unique to the community is preferred as a central subject for many

celebrations.
7. Sanduk

Filipino Lumads use a wooden spoon that they

use in preparing food. Most often wooden kitchen

utensils are made of birch-tree, beechwood, maple,

oak or fruit trees. Coniferous trees are not suitable

for wooden spoons as they are softer and have a

specific odor.

How important of the artifacts for the filipino society

It's important in our society to have a deeper understanding about the life of lumads.

Whenever they have a different culture still they are filipinos and we should be proud of.
At the National Museum of Anthropology; Erika Muñoz, Dianne Mabasa, Margarette

Herrera and Mhika Gratuito