The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, holds a rich and complex history that stretches back hundreds of thousands of years, long before written records or colonial encounters. Unearthing this deep past is the crucial work of archaeology. Key archaeological sites in Philippine prehistory are like scattered puzzle pieces, each offering vital clues about the lives, migrations, technologies,…
Prehistory
Cosmic Views: Pre-colonial Filipino Understanding of the Cosmos and Stars
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the islands that now form the Philippines were home to diverse groups of people, each with unique languages, customs, and beliefs. Despite their differences, these indigenous societies shared a common thread: a deep connection to and understanding of the natural world around them, including the…
Animism in Pre-colonial Philippines: Beliefs, Spirits, and Practices
Before the arrival of major foreign religions, the people of the Philippine archipelago held a complex and vibrant set of beliefs centered around the concept of animism. Animism is the idea that spirits or souls inhabit not only humans but also animals, plants, natural objects (like mountains, rivers, stones), and phenomena (like wind, thunder, rain). For the…
Unearthing Philippine Daily Life: What Archaeology Reveals Through Artifacts
History isn’t just about kings, queens, wars, and grand events recorded in books. It’s also about the millions of people who lived ordinary lives – what they ate, how they worked, what they believed, and how they interacted with each other every single day. For much of the world’s past, especially in places like the…
Unearthing Ancient Philippines: What Human Remains Reveal
History isn’t just found in old books, faded documents, or whispered stories passed down through generations. Sometimes, the most profound insights into how people lived centuries or even millennia ago come from the very ground beneath our feet – specifically, from the silent testimony of ancient human remains. In the Philippines, an archipelago with a…
The Rich Craftsmanship of Pre-colonial Philippines: Weaving, Pottery, and Metalwork
Long before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, the islands that would become the Philippines were home to vibrant and skilled communities. These societies possessed sophisticated knowledge and techniques in various crafts, essential for their daily lives, spiritual practices, social hierarchies, and trade. Among the most significant of these pre-colonial Philippine artisan crafts were weaving, pottery, and metalwork….