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C U LT U R E
ENRICO LLUCH
Digging into the past The discovery of primitive tool artefacts from the Neolithic and Palaeolithic periods in the Philippines will immensely contribute to the understanding of the country’s ancient cultures and potentially promote the development of the rich archaeological sites as lucrative tourist destinations. Such a development could provide a livelihood for local peoples. The artefacts, dating from 14,000 to 10,000 years ago, were excavated by researchers from the Archaeological Studies Program of the University of the Philippines, Diliman. The discovery in the Ille Cave in Dewil Valley, Palawan, in particular, sheds new light on the tools that were in use in pre-historical South-East Asia. Although the artefacts were mostly irregular shaped flakes made up of inferior materials such as andesite – a finegrained volcanic rock – and radiolarite – a compacted siliceous sedimentary rock, microscopic analysis has shown that the tools were employed for a wide range of purposes. The “wear and tear” trace patterns and residual matter on the artefacts revealed they were used to work tougher organic materials such as bone, antler, wood and bamboo. Several of the tools were fitted with handles made from wooden or bamboo shafts and fixed with resinous mastic, showing for the first time that complex composite tools were being manufactured. The use of red ochre pigment in worked shells demonstrated artistic behaviour. Evidence of hide processing was also found. Since many of the archaeological digs have focused on Palawan Island, little is known about other histories such as that of Mindanao Island. This may be due to its southern archipelagic location, the security conflict there and a general lack of interest within the archaeological community. The lack of a co-ordinated archaeological approach across the Philippines also poses limits to ascertaining relationships between artefacts found and ethnicity. A well-developed regional strategy will enable a richer, integrated and comprehensive picture of the country’s national history to emerge. Steps, however, are under way to collate more information, with a second project in progress to evaluate archaeological treasures of the Bicol region in south-eastern Luzon. The exercise, drawing on 300 artefacts from published and unpublished materials, archaeological finds and exhibits from four of Bicol’s museums, will contribute to increasing awareness of heritage, besides developing the role of museums in education and administering of the collections. The
treasures, dating from the 19th century to the Neolithic period, include bangles and bracelets, beads, ceramics, net sinkers, spindle whorls, metal implements, modified shell and bone, stone tools and human remains. Micro analyses to determine their chemical compositions and use-wear studies have been conducted. The ensuing results will help curators to improve restoration and conservation, as well as train museum personnel. In the case of Mindanao a project begun in April 2010 seeks to unearth the archaeological history of the island’s Jasaan municipality. The excavation of colonialera Spanish ruins, including a Jesuit church, municipal hall and cemetery, in Karaang Jasaan (Old Jasaan) in Sitio Cota, Barangay Aplaya, is the first of its kind in northern Mindanao. According to local history, Old Jasaan was the original settlement before the population moved, because of scarce water and infertile soil, to its present location in Barangay Poblacion. The dig, involving 12 trenches, at Karaang Jasaan has unearthed 675 artefacts, among them Qing porcelain, Manila Ware and European Ware from the 18th to the 20th centuries. There has yet been no evidence of an early settlement in the Aplaya region. The project will investigate other sites in Jasaan for older habitation as well as upland areas in the districts or barangays of San Antonio, Danao and I.S. Cruz, and further north in Jasaan where Villabongga Cave and Llausas Rockshelter have been uncovered. The project, besides detecting sites of archaeological significance that need conservation and protection for future studies, will help to enhance understanding of the Philippine national identity and cultural heritage. The historical discoveries will hopefully generate tourist interest and provide a source of livelihood in the areas.
For further information contact: University of the Philippines Diliman Ille Cave lithic artefacts Dr Alfred F. Pawlik Email: alfred.pawlik@up.edu.ph Archaeology of Bicol Andrea Malaya M. Ragragio Email: amragragio@yahoo.com Archaeology of Jasaan Leee Anthony M. Neri Email: leee_anthony.neri@up.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN