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Over 120 spectacular gold treasures and artefacts of varying size, weight, and historical significance are set to mesmerize the world with a groundbreaking Philippine Gold exhibition in New York running from September 2015 to January 2016.
The Asia Society Philippines and Ayala Museum, with special participation from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), bring over 120 of the Philippines’ coveted gold treasures to the Asia Society Museum in New York for a momentous exhibition opening on September 11 to the public. With the precious items dated between 10th and 13th century, the exhibition showcases to the global stage a glimpse of the ancient Sri-Vijayan empire and the rich Indo-Australasian heritage and culture of the country.
Above Belt. Surigao Treasure, Surigao del Sur province Ca. 10th - 13th century, 5.5 x 68.3 cm, 564 grams, Ayala Museum
Belt. Surigao Treasure, Surigao del Sur province Ca. 10th - 13th century, 5.5 x 68.3 cm, 564 grams, Ayala Museum
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Titled as, Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms, the exhibition is a spectacular display of unearthed treasures such as gold necklaces, chains, waistbands, bangles, ritual bowls, ceremonial weapons, funeral masks, and many other important artefacts of pre-colonial Philippines. These items reveal the sophisticated civilizations that flourished before the Spaniards arrive at Philippine shores; and portray a thriving maritime trade in the region as design details as well as techniques used in the items exemplify the influence of Indians, Indonesians, and the Chinese.e
Above Ear Ornament. Eastern Visayas. Ca. 10th - 13th century, 4.2 cm diameter, 0.9 cm thickness, 7.4 grams, Ayala Museum
Ear Ornament. Eastern Visayas. Ca. 10th - 13th century, 4.2 cm diameter, 0.9 cm thickness, 7.4 grams, Ayala Museum
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“This opens a door to a half-forgotten period when the inhabitants of the modern nation of the Philippines shared religious, cultural, and political connections with our Southeast Asian neighbours,” says Florina Capistrano-Baker, Ayala Museum’s former director and the curator of the said museum’s Gold of Ancestors permanent exhibition. “We hope that further research on these remarkable gold treasures by local and international scholars will continue to expand our understanding of the Philippine pre-colonial past—and deeepen our sense of who we were as a people… the multi-layered, collective past that makes us who we are today,” Baker continues.
Above Waist Cord Weights (Set of 2), Ca. 10th - 13th century Surigao Treasure, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection
Waist Cord Weights (Set of 2), Ca. 10th - 13th century Surigao Treasure, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection
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The exhibition marks the first time that the gold objects from both collections of Ayala Museum and BSP will be displayed together in the United States. Beginning with the opening gala dinner on September 10, an exciting line-up of activities is scheduled to expand the spotlight on Philippine culture such as academic lectures, a pop-up Philippine food bar, musical events, art and design exhibitions, a film festival, and live cultural perfomances.
Above Bangle with semi-precious stones: Gold, garnet, and glass. Ca. 10th - 13th century, Surigao Treasure Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection
Bangle with semi-precious stones: Gold, garnet, and glass. Ca. 10th - 13th century, Surigao Treasure Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection
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At the helm of this endeavour are the gala benefit committee chairs namely, Doris Magsaysay-Ho, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Loida Nicolas Lewis, and supported by BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. Joining Baker in the curatorial task is Adriana Proser, who is the John H. Foster senior curator for traditional Asian art at the Asia Society New York.
“The Philippines and Philippine culture tend to be perceived internationally in terms of our colonial history under Spain and under the US,” says Ayala. “We Filipinos also tend to perceive our cultural heritage in terms of our Catholic, Hispanicised and Americanised identities. The superior quality of the gold ornaments dispels the Western stereotype of pre-colonial Filipinos as ignorant and primitive before Spanish and American intervention,” he says.
The Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdoms will run from September 11, 2015 to January 3, 2016.
Asia Society Museum, 725 Park Avenue, New York City, USA
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
