January 27, 2011

Crossing over

Known as the Manunggul Jar after the name of the cave in the province of Palawan where it was found, this burial jar was dated to 890–710 BC. Aside from the fact that it was found intact, it is remarkable for the incised decoration on its body and lid, colored with hematite, and the two figures on a boat on the lid. This is believed to represent souls sailing to the afterworld, a particular crossing over belief that is common—with slight variations—in many cultures all over the world. The Manunggul Jar is considered a national treasure and is housed in the Museum of the Filipino People. It also appears on the back of our one thousand peso bill.

Manunggul Jar

19 comments:

Olivier said...

c'est une superbe creation avec une histoire

Stefan Jansson said...

Wow. This is amazing. Makes you think about how people lived back then.

George said...

This is a beautiful jar, and it's amazing that something that old was found intact.

Al said...

Very impressive. Whenever I see something with that much history, I'm glad I'm not the one who has to move or clean it!

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Fascinating. That it was found in tact is nothing short of a miracle. Colored with hematite? Meaning it was rubbed with this stone? My entire knowledge of hematite is how it is used in jewelry. Hence my confusion.

Hilda said...

Carolyn:
Hematite is the mineral that is used to produce red ochre. :)

Marco said...

I always thought that the jar was small until I saw it!!!
please visit my blog if you guys have time!!!
http://marcotowers.blogspot.com/2011/01/standing-steel.html?spref=bl

THanks!!

Chuck Pefley said...

So interesting the way the transition from this world of known into that of the unknown is similar in so many cultures. That is an amazing and lovely work of art.

Dina said...

I gasped when I saw your photo.
This is just amazing!

Cezar and Léia said...

Stunning shot, I love the lights and the sculpture, it's fabulous!
Léia

VP said...

A precious artifact, just the type I love to see in museum. If I ever see a one thousand peso bill, I'm sure to recognize this jar.

Lowell said...

One of my favorite college courses was Ancient History...the problem was we studied mostly the West and not so much the East. I realize how unfortunate that was when I see a piece of antiquity like this beautiful jar.

Lois said...

What a spectacular piece of history! Amazing that it is so well preserved.

Tanya Breese said...

wow, that is so amazing and look how perfect it still is! hope you are well hilda!!

Halcyon said...

What a wonderful find. The piece is really nice and the history is also interesting.

Travel France Online said...

This jar is absolutely stunning and I easily understand why it is a national treasure.
I went to the Philippines a few times, it is an amazing country, so much potential and a lovely population. I will enjoy reading and discovering more about it, so I have added your blog to my list of blogs to follow.
Best wishes, DeeBee

Rob Siemann said...

An amazing piece of history!
By the way, we started a new meme a few weeks ago, Thursday's Food for Thoughts (aka TFFT by many). You're very welcome to join it!

Ken Mac said...

Oooo I love the color, the little figures on top. What color. Hi Hilda!

Unknown said...

Awesome piece!