Some of the earliest known sculptures in the Philippines include a low relief engraving from 3000 BCE in Angono, Rizal featuring human and animal figures. A stone figure carved from brain corals called a likha palapat was also recovered from a burial site in Calatagan, Batangas. Additionally, a burial jar found in Palawan features a boat with two men rowing on its lid. Wood carving was an important art form for the mountain region of Cordilleras, where bul-ol figures of gods were carved to serve as guardians for rice granaries and pathways. Muslim communities like the Maranaos also incorporated sculptures like the mythical sarimanok bird into their art and as status symbols
9. Leta-leta Jar found in Leta-
leta Cave in Langen Island,
Palawan. The effigy jar
features a neck and lip of a
yawning man.
11. BUL-OL
In the mountain region of
Cordilleras, wood carving is an
important art. The bul-ol is a
wooden figure of a god that serves
as guardian to rice granaries and
pathways.
14. It is believed that this
seated figure will drive away
evil and keep the owner away
from bad luck and bring good
harvest.
15. In Mindanao, Muslim
people particularly the
Maranoas carve the image of
sarimanok, a mytical bird in
Darangen.
19. This figure is said to be a
status symbol in the community.
The art sculpture is also popular
among the Maranaos as evident
in their okir designs in torogan,
panulong and their musical
instruments.
