National Museum of Anthropology Virtual Tour

Summary

The National Museum of Anthropology in Manila showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. Built in the 1940s, it houses archaeological and ethnographic collections, including the Palayok Gallery's ceramic heritage and the San Diego shipwreck artifacts. It also honors national living treasures and explores the traditions of the Bangsamoro, Lumad, and Negrito communities. The museum emphasizes the importance of rice in Filipino culture and features temporary exhibitions, offering a deep connection to the country's history and identity.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The National Museum of Anthropology is one of the four buildings in the National Museum complex in Manila, built in the 1940s during the American colonial regime.
• 🎨 The museum's design was inspired by Daniel Burnham's plan for Manila, which aimed to connect key monuments and public buildings through a system of roads and rotundas.
• 💥 The museum suffered damage during World War II, but was later rebuilt and occupied by the Department of Finance, earning it the name 'Finance Building'.
• 🗽 In 1998, the building was refurbished to house archaeological and ethnographic collections for the centennial celebration of the Philippine Independence.
• 🏷️ The museum was renamed the Museum of the Filipino People in 1998 and later to the National Museum of Anthropology in 2016, focusing on cultural heritage.
• 📚 The ground floor includes the museum library, research division offices, and the repository for maritime and underwater cultural heritage.
• 🏞️ The courtyard features a traditional Ifugao house, showcasing the architectural and cultural elements of the region.
• 🏺 The Palayok Gallery on the second floor presents the ceramic heritage of the Philippines, from the Neolithic period to contemporary times.
• 🚢 The 'Treasures of San Diego' exhibit highlights the Manila galleon trade during the 16th century and the recovery of artifacts from the San Diego shipwreck.
• 🏺 The Manlilikhan-Ambayan or National Living Treasures Hall honors Filipinos conferred the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, showcasing their cultural property and contributions.
• 🌾 The 'Rice Biodiversity and Climate Change' exhibition emphasizes the importance of rice in Filipino culture and the country's efforts towards self-reliance in rice production.

Q & A

When was the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila built?

The National Museum of Anthropology was built in the 1940s during the American colonial regime.

Who was the architect behind the design of the National Museum of Anthropology?

The architect behind the design of the National Museum of Anthropology was Anton Toledo from the Bureau of Public Works.

What was the inspiration behind the design of the museum?

The design was inspired by Daniel Burnham's plan for Manila, which was based on the American concept of connecting key monuments and public buildings through a system of roads and rotundas.

How did World War II affect the National Museum of Anthropology?

The museum, being barely finished, was heavily bombed during World War II, and the collections were damaged and burned.

What was the building used for after the war until it became part of the National Museum?

After the war, the building was rebuilt and occupied by the Department of Finance, thus it was known as the Finance Building.

When was the building refurbished to house the National Museum of Anthropology?

The building was refurbished in 1998 to house the archaeological and ethnographic collections of the National Museum of the Philippines.

What is the significance of the traditional effigal house in the museum's courtyard?

The traditional effigal house in the courtyard is from the municipality of Mayawa in the province of Ifugao and represents the cultural heritage of the region.

What types of ceramics are showcased in the Palayok Gallery?

The Palayok Gallery showcases a range of ceramics from the earliest appearance of pottery in the Neolithic period to modern times, including earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.

What is the significance of the San Diego shipwreck in the museum's collection?

The San Diego shipwreck is significant as it provides evidence of the Manila galleon trade during the 16th century, and the artifacts recovered from it, such as Chinese blue and white ceramics and the gold seal of Antonio de Morga, authenticate its identity.

How does the Manlily Khannang Ambayan Hall contribute to Philippine culture?

The Manlily Khannang Ambayan Hall honors Filipinos conferred the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, showcasing their masterpieces and emphasizing the importance of their work as a significant cultural property.

What does the exhibition 'Faith Tradition and Place' explore?

The exhibition 'Faith Tradition and Place' explores the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic groups in the southern Philippines and their interconnection within Islamic and Southeast Asian traditions.