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

Ron Ocmer

10 Nov 201214:16

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

🏺 Discovery of the Golden Tara

The first paragraph describes the discovery of a gold statue known as the Golden Tara in the Philippines. The statue is approximately seven inches tall, weighs about four pounds, and is adorned with a detailed head and body. It was found after a typhoon by a Manobo woman near the Wawa River in Agusan del Sur. The story behind the statue is that it was given a name by the person who found it, and it is believed to have been used as an offering to a deity. The statue was later sold and passed through various owners, including the Agusan Coconut Company and an American, Dr. Othley Bayer, who was persuaded by the Philippine government to buy it for the National Museum. However, due to lack of funds, the sale did not proceed until 1920. The Golden Tara was exhibited in the Manila exposition and was eventually sold to an American for 4,000 dollars, which, when adjusted for inflation, is equivalent to over a million dollars today. The statue is now housed in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, where it is considered a significant cultural property. There is a debate over whether the Golden Tara was legally acquired by the museum, with some advocating for its return to the Philippines.

05:03

🌟 The Golden Tara's Journey and Cultural Significance

The second paragraph delves into the Golden Tara's journey after it was sold to an American couple, the wife of Governor General Leonard Wood, and how it became part of the Field Museum of Natural History's collection. The officials of Agusan del Sur expressed regret over the loss of the artifact and sought assistance to develop the area where it was found into a historical landmark. Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel advocated for the return of the Golden Tara to the Philippines, emphasizing that cultural treasures are priceless. The Field Museum of Natural History, which has the Golden Tara on display, is home to over 21 million artifacts and fossils from around the world, including the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. The museum also houses a collection of precious gems. The Golden Tara, believed to be an offering Goddess, provides significant information about life in the 13th century. The paragraph also mentions the museum's acquisition process and the scientific analysis conducted on the statue to determine its gold content and composition.

10:07

🏛️ The Field Museum's Philippine Artifacts and the Golden Tara's Display

The third paragraph discusses the Field Museum's collection of Philippine artifacts, including the Golden Tara, and the possibility of returning these items to the Philippines. The narrator visits a secret location within the museum where Philippine artifacts are stored for safekeeping. Among the items shown is a blouse made by the Blaan tribe from Davao, Mindanao, which is over a hundred years old and is in excellent condition. The narrator reflects on the importance of these artifacts and the pride they instill as a Filipino, considering the value that foreigners place on them. The Golden Tara is described as a significant piece that could potentially be returned to the Philippines, although there is no certainty on this matter. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the mysteries of the past and the desire for these artifacts to speak to the history of the Philippines.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Golden Tara

The Golden Tara is a significant artifact mentioned in the script, which is a gold statuette discovered in the Philippines. It is described as having a height of about seven inches, weighing four pounds, and featuring a detailed head. The Golden Tara is central to the video's narrative as it symbolizes the cultural heritage and historical value of the Philippines. Its discovery post-typhoon in 1917 by a Manobo woman near the Wawa River in Agusan del Sur is a key part of the story, highlighting the serendipity and importance of such finds in understanding the past.

💡Agusan del Sur

Agusan del Sur is a province in the Caraga region of the Philippines, where the Golden Tara was found. It plays a crucial role in the video as the origin of this significant cultural artifact. The province's name is repeatedly mentioned, emphasizing its connection to the Golden Tara and the historical events surrounding its discovery.

💡Manobo

The Manobo is an indigenous ethnic group in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao. In the script, a Manobo woman is credited with the discovery of the Golden Tara, which underscores the video's theme of indigenous people's role in preserving and uncovering cultural heritage. The Manobo community's connection to the artifact adds a layer of cultural significance to the story.

💡National Museum

The National Museum of the Philippines is mentioned in the context of an attempt to acquire the Golden Tara for display. This highlights the institution's role in preserving and showcasing the country's cultural treasures. The video implies the importance of such museums in maintaining the historical narrative and cultural identity of a nation.

💡Manila Exposition

The Manila Exposition is referenced as an event where the Golden Tara was sold to an American for a significant amount, adjusted for inflation. This keyword is important as it marks a turning point in the artifact's history, indicating its transition from Philippine to foreign ownership and the economic transactions involved in the preservation of cultural heritage.

💡Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is where the Golden Tara is currently housed. The museum's mention in the script is vital as it represents the current custodian of the artifact and the ongoing debate about the repatriation of cultural property. The museum's role also raises questions about the ethics of cultural artifact ownership and the responsibility of institutions to preserve and respect the heritage of other cultures.

💡Repatriation

Repatriation refers to the process of returning cultural artifacts to their country of origin. In the script, there is a discussion about the potential for the Golden Tara to be returned to the Philippines, which is a central theme of the video. It touches on the moral and legal complexities surrounding the ownership of cultural heritage and the desire of source countries to reclaim their historical treasures.

💡Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage is a recurring concept in the script, referring to the tangible and intangible aspects of a culture that are inherited from past generations. The Golden Tara is a prime example of cultural heritage, embodying the artistic and religious values of the people who created it. The video explores the importance of preserving and respecting cultural heritage, as well as the challenges in doing so.

💡Indigenous People

Indigenous people are highlighted in the script as the original discoverers and custodians of the Golden Tara. The video emphasizes their connection to the artifact and the broader theme of indigenous communities' roles in maintaining cultural heritage. It also touches on the historical and contemporary issues faced by indigenous groups in preserving their cultural identity.

💡Artifact

An artifact in this context refers to the Golden Tara, which is a physical object made by humans and considered to have historical, cultural, or artistic significance. The term is used throughout the script to describe the Golden Tara and other items of cultural importance. The video discusses the artifact's journey, its significance, and the debates surrounding its ownership and display.

💡Historical Landmark

A historical landmark is a place of significance in the history of a region or country. In the script, there is a mention of developing a historical landmark in Agusan del Sur related to the Golden Tara. This keyword is important as it ties the artifact to a specific location, emphasizing the local and national importance of preserving and commemorating historical sites.

Highlights

The Agusan image is a gold statue with a height of approximately seven inches, weighing four pounds, and is known as the Golden Tara.

The Golden Tara is believed to have been discovered by a Manobo woman after a typhoon in July 1917 near the Wawa River in Agusan del Sur.

Constancia Angay, the Manobo woman, was the first to be given the name associated with the discovery of the Golden Tara.

The term 'Tara' is a Sanskrit word, meaning 'star' or 'ray of light', suggesting a possible religious or spiritual significance.

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 1920.

The Golden Tara's journey to the Field Museum involved a series of transactions and was part of the Manila exposition.

The statue is considered a significant cultural property, and there is an ongoing debate about the legality of its acquisition by foreign institutions.

Efforts are being made to repatriate the Golden Tara to the Philippines, with some officials advocating for its return as a matter of national pride and cultural heritage.

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 made of gold alloy, containing not only gold but also copper and silver, with a purity of over 18 carats.

The statue is thought to represent a deity or an offering goddess, suggesting its use in religious or ceremonial practices.

The Golden Tara is accompanied by other Philippine artifacts in the Field Museum, including a handwoven Blaan tribe blouse from Davao, Mindanao.

The blouse is over a hundred years old and is an example of the intricate handiwork and craftsmanship of the Blaan tribe.

The artifacts in the Field Museum are well-preserved, reflecting the care taken by American anthropologists who collected them from the Philippines between 1907 and 1910.

The possibility of the Golden Tara's return to the Philippines is uncertain, with the Field Museum open to considering such a request if made.

The cultural significance of the Golden Tara is emphasized, with the hope that it might one day be displayed in the Philippines to educate and inspire future generations about their history.