Chapter 6

VISUAL ELEMENTSIN PHILIPPINES

TRADITIONAL MOTIFS AND CRAFTS

Introduction:
Admittedly the creation of things for use is the basic motivating force in the
practical operations of man. But amazingly his endeavors have never been merely
utilitarian. An unconscious desire to beautify all that he has or does has led him to
seek the elements of beauty and to integrate them with the purpose of his living.
The Philippine visual arts encompass a range of forms developed by Filipinos
in the Ethnic, Spanish, American, and featured thumb of contemporary traditions.
In ethnic communities, pottery, weaving, carving, and metalcraft are made for
ritual purposes or for everyday use. Spanish colonization introduced painting and
sculpture whose subject matter was for the most part religious, although secular
themes and forms emerged in the 19th century under the patronage of the new
mestizo elite. The American period witnessed the conflict between conservatism
and modernism, with the latter gaining ground in the end in painting and sculpture.
After World War II artists explored a variety of Western and Eastern styles, media,
and philosophies—some consciously going back to ethnic roots—to express
themselves as individuals and as Filipinos.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this chapter, the students will be able to:
Analyze how line is interpreted and utilized in traditional crafts;
Develop students’ ability in manipulating the elements of arts; and
Document changes and the shifting environment such as terrain, texture,
sound through fusion of various elements of art.
 LESSON I
Motifs and Symbols

Introduction
Since the man began to give shape to the materials provided by nature for
meeting his rudimentary requirements, he has never been able to resists the
inward urge to adorn and beautify his possessions and surroundings. All these
efforts have led to the creation of motifs from different origins, organizing them in
suitable layouts. This gave the uniqueness to the motifs used in traditional Indian
textiles.

Decorative Motifs and Symbols Classification

There are times when we do not understand what is being meant by a word,
a thought, an act, or a thing. We need other things to describe them in order to
properly understand their meanings. This is particularly true when we are dealing
with works of arts and in the literary world. This is why symbols and motifs are
created: to help us understand.

Motif
A motif is an image, spoken or written word, sound, act, or another visual or
structural device that has symbolic significance. It is used to develop and inform
the theme of the literary work. The concept of a motif is related to a theme, but
unlike a theme which is an idea or message, a motif is a detail that is repeated in a
pattern of meaning that can produce a theme while creating other aspects at the
same time.
It is closely related to a theme or a symbol and uses different narrative
elements. It is constantly repeated to represent a dominant or central idea or
theme in a work of art. It relates more thought which is used to support a theme.

Motifs typically are used in one of three ways:

A single object that appears multiple times throughout the work with most
of the emphasis placed on the item.
 A collection of related objects that appear multiple times to emphasize the
theme.
A collection of seemingly unrelated items that serve to draw attention to the
theme in a subtler manner.

Classification of Motif
The motifs or units of a textile design may be classified as: Geometric,
Realistic or Natural, Stylized, Abstract.
As symbols can be used to change the meaning of a word or phrase, they can
change the way we view things. To get the meaning of a word, it is necessary to use
symbols so that it can be understood well. The meaning of a symbol depends largely
on its usage, its history, and purpose.
A very fine example of a symbol is the cross. It is used to symbolize
Christianity, the religion which is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who was
crucified. The cross is also use to remind Christians about how Christ suffered in
order to save them.

Types of Symbols
1. Iconograms are illustrative representations. They are iconic signs which, as
an illustrative representation, emphasize the points in common between the
signifier and the signified.
2. Pictograms are pictorial representations, such as ISOTYPE. Pictograms are
iconic signs which represents complex facts, not through words or sounds
but through visual carriers of meaning.
3. Cartograms are topographical representations with complex functions
(statics, etc.) and iconic facts, for example an atlas or the ground plan of a
house.
4. Diagrams are functional representations. They are visual signs which are
partly iconic representations, but are more functional carriers that illustrate,
for example, a sequence of facts of functions.
5. Ideograms represents a concept. Typically, ideograms correspond to the
sign as a symbol which relates to the object or concept referred to,
independently of any format identification with it. (Note that many symbols
 can fall into multiple categories, but the context and intention will help us
understand how to “read” them.
6. Logograms are conceptual representations like writing. They are visual,
referential linguistic signs that do not take the phonetic dimension into
consideration.
7. Typograms are typographical representations. A typogram is a sign that is
also composed of a sign, derived from a written repertoire such us the
alphabet.
8. Phonograms are phonic representations. A phonogram is a sign that is used
to signify linguistic or other sounds.

Indigenous Philippine Arts and Crafts

One of the most precious traditional livelihoods that are still kept until today
is weaving. Originating in the pre-colonial times, the art of weaving of the
Cordillera tribal groups in the Philippine North is still existing despite the threat
of the more practical, mass production of cloth. The natives use back strap loom
to produce blankets and articles of clothing.
Piña cloth is also produced in looms throughout the province of Antique. It is
a delicate and exquisite hand-woven cloth that is made from the fibers obtained
from the leaves of pineapple plants. It is popularly used in Barong Tagalog, the
country’s traditional formal men’s wear. With the organic and airy textile being
used, the ‘barong’ is now becoming more popular around the world.
Abaca fiber derived from the abaca plant is widely grown in certain regions
in the country. It is woven mainly to make ‘sinimay’ fabric and abaca rope, as
well as specially papers like vacuum bags, currency, and tea bags. There are also
handcrafts like bags, carpets and clothing made of abaca.
Baskets are also made by Cordilleran’s as livelihood. They also use these as
storage for food when they need to go to mountain terraces to raise crops.
Certain types of baskets also serve for carrying grains, for hunting animals, and
for fishing in the streams. Bamboo baskets are used as fish traps; the shape and
size of baskets determine to the kind of fish to be caught.
 Filipino potters make pots of different sizes, shapes, and designs, which are
usually geometric with stylized nature –themed motifs. Functional pieces are
made as the need would arise.
An example of this is the ‘palayok’, which is used for cooking. ‘Banga’ and
‘tapayan’ are used for storing liquids. There is also the clay-made stove or
‘kalan’. The ‘burnay’ pottery in Ilocos Sur is still a lively tradition that continues
up to the present.
Philippine sculpture is the most familiar art form among Filipinos. The most
popular woodcarvings are those of the anitos (nature gods), santos (saints), and
statues of Christ and the Blessed Mother.
Since the early 16th century, jewelry making in the country has been
practiced in the country. It is believed that the skills of the early Filipino jewelry-
makers are adopted from their Asian neighbors like the Chinese.
Jewelry-making is traditionally a home-based industry. With government
support, the Philippines has come to be known for its exquisite gold jewelry. The
more popular jewelry pieces are actually made of gold and silver. Rings,
earrings, bracelets, brooches, pendants, necklaces, tie pins, and cuff links (with
or without gemstones) of these precious metals are common. The Philippines is
also known for pearls and semi-precious stones (FREEMAN).