Arts...
     Trade plays an important role in enriching the art of the region. More than 40,000 pieces of trade potteries, which represent the intensity of formal trade, have been recovered in the Philippines with 80% of these coming from South China.

THE MANUNGGUL VASE AND OTHER BURIAL JARS

     Among the artifacts unearthed in the Tabon Caves in Palawan is a vase which Robert Fox claims to be the most beautiful burial jar in the whole of Southeast Asia. Called the Manunggul Vase, it is intricately designed. The cover of the jar supports a ship of the dead with two figures holding a paddle each, sailing into the netherworld. Red hematite painting accentuates sophisticated and attractive designs on the body of the jar. The cover design is further proof of our ancestors' belief in the afterworld. Other sites like the Sta. Ana Convent in Manila have been havens for looters and archeologists alike because of the many graves and jars that have been dug. The convent, which was built on a large burial and habitation mound, is pre-Spanish in date and is more than three meters deep, with pottery found in all levels. Fox is also of the opinion that this was a major trade center during the 11th to 14th centuries since it is near the Pasig River.

     For more on beliefs, click their practices

     But burial jars were not the only jars that existed in the area. Also unearthed were jars used for domestic chores. Plainer, less intricate and less spectacular, with little to no variations in form, the essence of these vases were more functional than aesthetic. Some vases, used for rituals, were of more variation and had a wide range in form.

     Still other jars have been unearthed, those of Chinese origin. Fox says that with the advent of trade, dragon jars gradually replaced locally made earthenware vessels. Also unearthed were beautiful and large collections of Thai pottery, including rare Khmer jars and other vessels.

    

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