Philippines Treasure Part II (GMA 7) feat(1). Golden Tara

Summary

The script recounts the history of the Golden Tara, a gold statue from the Philippines, discovered post-typhoon in 1917 by a Manobo woman near the Wawa River in Agusan del Sur. It was believed to be an offering Goddess and was initially named by the finder, Constancia Angoporo. The statue's journey includes ownership by the Agusan Coconut Company, a failed sale to the National Museum due to lack of funds, and its eventual sale to Americans at the Manila exposition for 4,000 dollars. It now resides in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. There's an ongoing debate about its legal acquisition and the possibility of its return to the Philippines, reflecting on its cultural significance and the desire to have it back to educate future generations about the country's rich history.

Takeaways

• 🏺 The Agusan Gold Image, also known as the Golden Tara, is a gold statuette from the Philippines, approximately seven inches tall, weighing four pounds, and adorned with intricate designs.
• 🌪️ The Golden Tara was reportedly discovered by a Manobo woman after a strong typhoon in July 1917 near the Wawa River in Agusan del Sur.
• 👵 Constancia Angay, the Manobo woman, was said to have found the Golden Tara and was later given the statue's name by the person who acquired it from her.
• 🏰 The Golden Tara was initially in the possession of the Agusan Coconut Company and was later sold to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago for $4,000 in 1922.
• 💰 The sale of the Golden Tara was significant as it was a large sum at the time, equivalent to over a million dollars when adjusted for inflation.
• 🇺🇸 The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago houses the Golden Tara as part of its vast collection of artifacts and fossils from around the world.
• 🏛️ The Golden Tara is considered a significant cultural property, and there have been discussions about its legal acquisition and the possibility of its return to the Philippines.
• 🗣️ There are differing opinions on the Golden Tara's history, with some suggesting it was sold by Constancia Angay, while others claim it was taken from her.
• 🏞️ The Golden Tara is seen as a historical landmark and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Agusan region in the Philippines.
• 🔍 The Field Museum has conducted tests on the Golden Tara, revealing it to be made of gold alloy with high carat content, including traces of copper and silver.

Q & A

What is the approximate height and weight of the Agusan image?

The Agusan image is approximately seven inches tall, weighs about four pounds, and is made of gold.

What is the significance of the term 'Tara' in the context of the Agusan image?

The term 'Tara' is a Sanskrit word and refers to a goddess, indicating that the Agusan image might be a representation of a deity or a revered figure.

How was the Golden Tara discovered?

The Golden Tara was discovered by a Manobo woman after a strong typhoon in July 1917 near the Wawa River in Agusan del Sur.

Who is Constancia Angay and what is her connection to the Golden Tara?

Constancia Angay is the Manobo woman who found the Golden Tara. She is credited with discovering the artifact, and it was named after her.

What is the historical context of the Golden Tara's discovery?

The Golden Tara was discovered in the aftermath of a typhoon, suggesting that natural disasters might have uncovered hidden artifacts in the area.

What happened to the Golden Tara after its discovery?

After its discovery, the Golden Tara was sold and eventually ended up in the possession of the Agusan Coconut Company. It was later sold to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

Why was the Golden Tara significant during the Manila exposition?

The Golden Tara was a significant item during the Manila exposition because it was a large and complete gold artifact that attracted attention and was sold for a high price.

What is the current status of the Golden Tara in terms of ownership and display?

The Golden Tara is currently housed in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, where it is displayed as part of their collection.

Are there any ongoing efforts to repatriate the Golden Tara to the Philippines?

There have been discussions and attempts to repatriate the Golden Tara, but as of the information provided, the Field Museum has not agreed to return it.

What additional artifacts from the Philippines are mentioned in the script, and where are they kept?

The script mentions a blouse made by the Blaan tribe from Davao in Mindanao, which is kept in the Field Museum's storage room along with other Philippine artifacts.

What is the significance of the Golden Tara to the history of the Philippines?

The Golden Tara is significant because it provides insights into the lives and culture of people in the 13th century Philippines, offering a glimpse into their religious beliefs and artistic skills.