I've already shown several photos of the historic building of the
Museum of the Filipino People. Now, let's finally step inside (yes, they allow photos of the exhibits as long as you don't use a flash). The museum is the repository of much of the archeological treasures discovered all over the Philippines, hence the name. One of the first things you will see upon entering the museum is the garden in the middle, which has a replica of a traditional Ifugao house. The
Ifugao are one of several tribal peoples who live in the
Cordillera mountain range north of Metro Manila (it is also the name of the province where they live). The thickly thatched roof shelters the entire house down to the level of the raised floor, necessary in the rains and cold weather of the mountains. This means that one has to stoop or squat to get to the ladder which leads to the doorway.
Inside the museum, there is a model of another Ifugao house, which has as many varieties as there are Ifugao sub-groups. The model is not accurate in its use of materials, however. Bamboo slats will not provide much shelter from the cold winds that blow throughout the Cordilleras.
If you want to see the colorful handwoven traditional dress of the
Igorot, the generic term used for the six distinct ethno-linguistic groups of the Cordilleras including the Ifugao, the
tourists we saw at Mines View Park in
Baguio City last year wore them for their souvenir photo.
Hello dear Hilda,
ReplyDeletewow it's very interesting!I specially liked the second picture with those miniatures, just lovely!
Léia
Hi Ms. Hilda.Ang ganda ng second photo.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. Ang hirap talaga maging dayuhan sa sariling bansa.
Pag nakakauwi kasi sa Pinas kulang na kulang ang oras para puntahan ang mga lugar na tulad nito.
That's interesting. Native Floridians used thatch, also, to build Tiki huts (still do, in fact)...but the Tiki huts are built like a dome and the thatch goes all the way to the ground.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how well they protect one from the weather, either.
Very intersting post Hilda. I checked out the linked post as well, very colorful.
ReplyDeletei always intrigued by traditional houses like this. they tell a lot about local wisdom and knowledge. could you show us the photo of thatched roof please, Hilda?
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting. You really do your homework Hilda.
ReplyDeletetrès belle cette hutte avec toutes les sculptures.
ReplyDeleteHI Hilda. I have to apologise. You pop into my Port Elizabeth Daily Photo blog so often and I come by just about never. Thanks for comments you always leave.
ReplyDeleteI assume that the raised floor of these house are about a meter and a half above the ground. I also take that its that way that things can be stored under the house and that water can run through freely.
Exhibitions where photos are allowed are always more interesting. The models may be not accurate but they are anywhow amazing and fascinating.
ReplyDelete«Louis» appreciates these cultural tidbits! Good post, Hilda!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Hilda! I just think this house is fascinating. The construction (aside from the thatching) looks as though it would stand up to some pretty rough winds and weather. The carved statue and bench and other items on the porch are so-so interesting.
ReplyDeleteNice photos and interesting story/background.
ReplyDeleteCan you climb inside the model homes or are they just miniature versions?
Hi Hilda,
ReplyDeleteI really like these kinds of theme based museums. I visited one such museum in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
The little model shows a lot of details. The craftsmanship is commendable.
The Ifugao house model is just lovely!
ReplyDeleteHalcyon:
ReplyDeleteI think you can actually climb in but it's pretty small and claustrophobic so none in our tour group even tried.
still am in awe seeing bloggers visit museum. this might be the first that i need to visit as taking of photos is allowed. great too if you see those houses in ifugao.
ReplyDelete