This exhibit showcases
select images from the Spanish Colonial Philippines from the 16th to 19th
centuries. These are largely accepted to have been carved by Chinese and
local artisans whose culture and experiences were different from their
colonial rulers, as presented in the following images.
Saint Anne with Child Mary
Here is a representation of the Virgin Mother's family, with Mary as a daughter leaning on her mother, Saint Anne's lap with her father, Saint Joachim standing on the other side.
Immaculate Conception by Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation - Eduviges Y. HuangIntramuros Administration
Indigenous Catholic images are very different from their European counterparts.
This earlier image of Mary, for example, lacks the usual graceful flow of robes in icons from the other side of the globe.
Immaculate Conception (1800) by Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation - Eduviges Y. HuangIntramuros Administration
Gatbonton (1983) explains that local artisans were unfamiliar with Catholic iconography; its portrayal and meaning.
This resulted in local Catholic images which mirror native gestures and features.
Immaculate Conception by Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation - Eduviges Y. HuangIntramuros Administration
This image of the Immaculate Conception, although interpreted with Oriental eyes, was dressed in 17th century garb of Spanish royalty, showing an adaptation of foreign imagery.
Immaculate Conception by Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation - Eduviges Y. HuangIntramuros Administration
Here is another image which deviates from the traditional Catholic iconography.
Especially noticeable are the three cherubs, in relief, at the base with "Chinese" faces and coiffures.
Immaculate Conception by Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation - Eduviges Y. HuangIntramuros Administration
This image of Mary in wood features one of the more common traits in local icons, the swirling round clouds in the base.
The base also showcases a lotus blossom; purity in Buddhism, a perfect symbolism for the Virgin Mary.
Immaculate Conception by Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation - Eduviges Y. HuangIntramuros Administration
This polychromed image of the Immaculate Conception in wood shows a serpent by the Virgin's feet representing her triumph over evil.
What is peculiar about the image is the leaf in the serpent's mouth.
Immaculate Conception by Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation - Eduviges Y. HuangIntramuros Administration
The image of the Immaculate Conception has been adopted into local artistry as she continues to hold an integral part in the lives of Filipino Catholics.
Immaculate Conception by Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation - Eduviges Y. HuangIntramuros Administration
At present, the Immaculate Conception is the principal patroness of the Philippines and the principal patroness of the Manila Cathedral, one of the seven churches in old Manila.
References:
Gatbonton, Esperanza Bunag. Philippine Religious: Carvings in Ivory. Manila: Intramuros Administration, 1983.
