Father Saturnino Urios University

Arts and Sciences Program

Muslim Art
GE 106: Arts Apprecation

IAN PAUL H. DAUG

Faculty, Humanities Division
[email protected]
Islamic Presence in the Philippines:
▰ Islam was already established in
the southern Philippines and
remains culturally dominant and
strong.
▰ The religion gained significant
grounding in Sulu as early as the
13th century.
▰ The introduction of holy texts like
the Quran and the construction of
prayer houses were part of this
process.
Islamic Presence in the Philippines:

▰ Natives from Zamboanga and

Yakans from Basilan were
converted to Islam with the help
of teachers and practitioners
from nearby regions.
▰ Abubakar is recognized for
building religious schools
(madrasas) that facilitated the
teaching of Arabic writing.
Islamic Faith and Beliefs:
▰ Filipino Muslims belong to an
"ummah," a community of
believers.
▰ Islamic faith emphasizes "tawhid,"
the unity of God, highlighting the
impermanence of nature and the
greatness of the divine being.
▰ Islamic art expresses divine mercy
through abstract forms and
patterns, promoting mental
concentration.
Islamic Art:
▰ Islamic art features designs of
flowers, plant forms, and
geometric patterns.
▰ It is present in calligraphy,
architecture, painting, clothing,
and other fine art forms.
▰ Islamic art combines with ethnic
culture to create a Filipino
Muslim art reflecting the
people's ethnic background and
Islamic identity.
Architecture:
▰ Islamic architecture is
characterized by impressive
interior spaces, geometric
designs, and calligraphy.
▰ It follows the Qur'an and
showcases towers, arches,
domes, and bright colors.
▰ Islamic architecture influences
the Philippines, particularly in
mosques, domes, and
geometric designs.
Literature:
▰ Moro literature includes oral
and written expressions of
Moro culture, including
religious and ritual literature,
folk literature, and symbolic
speech.
▰ Islamic religious literature
includes various prayers,
sermons, Qur'anic exegesis,
and literature on the Prophet
Mohammad.
Music:
▰ Music is important in Moro
Kulintang
culture, with a distinction between
ritual music (vocal without
instruments) and entertainment
music.
▰ Instruments like kulintang (brass Kudyapi
gongs), kudyapi (lute), gabbang
(xylophone), and more are used.
▰ Moro musicality is seen in various
types of songs and dances,
Gabbang
including ceremonial dances and
heroic songs.
Visual Arts:

▰ Traditional Muslim painting in the

Philippines involves designs on
rattan mats.
▰ Geometrical designs evolved to
include elements like the Ka'aba
temple, Arabic calligraphy, and
figurative burraq (winged horse).
▰ Scarcity of materials and war-
related displacement led to a
Burraq
decline in this traditional art.
Dance:

▰ Moro dances have historical and

cultural significance.
▰ The singkil dance is popular,
representing a princess escaping
an earthquake.
▰ Different versions of singkil exist
for Maranao and Maguindanao
cultures.

Singkil Dance
Contemporary Arts:

▰ Contemporary Muslim painters

in the Philippines are inspired by
both local ethnic art forms and
Islamic principles.
▰ Moro artistry extends to
woodworking, metalwork, and
crafts like clothweaving and
matweaving.
Traditional Muslim Art
Forms and Representation
 1. Okkir

▰ It is one of the traditional designs

that came from an old Malayan
word that has the same meaning as
the tagalog word “ukit” meaning
“to carve”
▰ Maguindanaon artist Al-Nezzar Ali
traced the long history of the Okkil
Art from its Hindu roots in India to
Islam Arabia to Muslim Philippines
 1. Okkir

▰ Okir Art uses geometric and floral artwork. It

also depicts animals, plans, and mythical figures
in highly decorative, long, curvilinear lines and
secondary arabesque.
▰ Okir (Maranao pronunciation) refers to carving
and any type of design prominent among the
Moro ethnolinguistic community. Okkil
(Maguindanaon pronunciation.
▰ It is believed to be of Hindu and Chinese
influences.
 1. Okkir

▰ A popular motif of this art form is the use of imagery of a dragon or serpent.
 2. Torogan

▰ The torogan is a symbol of rank

and prestige.
▻ Panolong
▻ A flaring out from the
beams of the torogan.
▻ It is the most arresting
feature of the torogan.
 3. Sarimanok

▰ It is a famous creature that symbolizes bravery

and nobility. A legendary bird of the Maranao
people.
▰ Philippine Muslim homes represents their
identity therefore Islamic art is seen in their
houses.
▰ These ornaments usually are made from
Muslim dominated countries like Malaysia,
Egypt, and Saudi Arabia brought home by
Filipino workers as mementos of their pilgrims.
 4. Batik Cloth Design

▰ Clothing reflects the style and colors of their

ethnic background.
▰ Batik is a design related to Islam that is used in
the Philippines. Its influences can be traced
back to Indonesia.
▰ It contains abstract themes with geometric and
floral design.
▰ Human and animal depiction is a rare motif in
batik
 Father Saturnino Urios University
Arts and Sciences Program

Philippine Native
Houses
GE 106: Arts Apprecation

IAN PAUL H. DAUG

Faculty, Humanities Division
[email protected]
Nipa Hut (Bahay Kubo)

▰ Origin: The nipa hut, also known as "bahay kubo," is one of

the most iconic traditional Filipino houses. It is believed to
have originated before the Spanish colonization.
▰ Function: The nipa hut is a versatile house made from
bamboo, wood, and nipa palm leaves. It was designed to
withstand the tropical climate, providing a comfortable
living space for families. Its elevated design allows for
natural ventilation and protection against flooding.
Nipa Hut (Bahay Kubo)
Bontoc House

▰ Origin: The Bontoc people of the Cordillera region in

Luzon, Philippines, built these houses.
▰ Function: Bontoc houses are built on stilts, serving as
protection against animals and floods. They have a
distinctive ladder entrance and are characterized by their
thatched roofs and unique architectural style.
Bontoc House
Ifugao House

▰ Origin: The Ifugao people, also from the Cordillera region,

constructed these houses.
▰ Function: Ifugao houses are known for their octagonal or
cylindrical shape, designed to withstand earthquakes.
They are made from wood and thatch and feature intricate
carvings. These houses represent the unique architectural
heritage of the Ifugao people.
Ifugao House
Isnag/Apayao House

▰ Origin: Built by the Isnag or Apayao people from the

northern Philippines.
▰ Function: These houses are characterized by their steep,
sloping roofs and are designed to withstand heavy rainfall.
They are raised on stilts to protect against floods and are
usually constructed using traditional materials like bamboo
and cogon grass.
Isnag/Apayao House
Ivatan House
▰ Origin: The Ivatan people of Batanes, an
archipelagic province in the northern Philippines,
built these houses.
▰ Function: Ivatan houses, also known as "stone
houses," are designed to withstand typhoons and
other harsh weather conditions. They are
constructed using limestone and cogon grass, with
thick stone walls and steep roofs.
Ivatan House
Kalinga House

▰ Origin: The Kalinga people from the Cordillera

region are known for their distinct house design.
▰ Function: Kalinga houses are raised on stilts and
have thatched roofs made from cogon grass. They
are designed to accommodate the extended
family and reflect the communal nature of Kalinga
society.
Kalinga House
Kankanai House

▰ Origin: The Kankanai people are another

indigenous group from the Cordillera region.
▰ Function: Kankanai houses feature an elevated
floor and a steeply pitched roof to shed heavy
rains. They are constructed with wood and
bamboo, often adorned with intricate carvings.
Kankanai House
Mangyan House

▰ Origin: The Mangyan people inhabit the Mindoro

island of the Philippines.
▰ Function: Mangyan houses are simple structures
made from bamboo, wood, and thatch. They are
designed to blend with the natural surroundings
and provide shelter for Mangyan families.
Mangyan House
Tagbanua House

▰ Origin: The Tagbanua people reside in Palawan,

Philippines.
▰ Function: Tagbanua houses are built on stilts and
feature a distinctive "sawtooth" roof design. They
are constructed from bamboo, wood, and thatch,
reflecting the traditional architecture of the
Tagbanua culture.
Tagbanua House
Badjao House

▰ Origin: The Badjao, also known as Sea Gypsies, are

a nomadic maritime people in the Philippines.
▰ Function: Badjao houses are constructed on stilts
above water to adapt to their aquatic lifestyle.
They are built using bamboo and other materials
found near the sea.
Badjao House
Manobo House

▰ Origin: The Manobo people are one of the

indigenous groups in Mindanao, Philippines.
▰ Function: Manobo houses are often circular or
rectangular with thatched roofs made from
various materials. They are designed to
accommodate the extended family and reflect the
Manobo's cultural practices.
Manobo House
Maranao House

▰ Origin: The Maranao people inhabit Lanao del Sur

in Mindanao.
▰ Function: Maranao houses, known as "torogan,"
are beautifully adorned wooden structures with
intricate carvings. Historically, these houses were
used by Maranao nobility and played a role in
cultural ceremonies.
Maranao House
Samal House

▰ Origin: The Samal people are known for their

houseboat dwellings in the southern Philippines.
▰ Function: Samal houses are built on stilts and are
often found on water. They are constructed using
bamboo and other materials and are well-suited to
the coastal and aquatic lifestyle of the Samal
people.
Samal House
Tausug House

▰ Origin: The Tausug people inhabit the Sulu

Archipelago in the southern Philippines.
▰ Function: Tausug houses are built on stilts and
often feature a steeply pitched roof with extended
eaves. They are designed to adapt to the tropical
climate and protect against flooding.
Tausug House
T'boli House

▰ Origin: The T'boli people are from Mindanao and

are known for their distinctive cultural practices.
▰ Function: T'boli houses are raised on stilts and
have thatched roofs made from cogon grass. They
are designed to accommodate the extended
family and reflect the T'boli's connection to their
natural surroundings.
T'boli House
Yakan House

▰ Origin: The Yakan people are indigenous to Basilan

province in the Philippines.
▰ Function: Yakan houses are constructed using
bamboo and cogon grass, featuring steep roofs
and raised floors. They are built to withstand
tropical weather conditions and reflect the Yakan's
rich artistic traditions.
Yakan House