Pre-Colonial Philippines through the account of Antonio Pigafetta Part 3

Summary

Antonio Pigafetta's account details a fascinating interaction between Magellan's expedition and a local king on March 29, Good Friday. The explorers are welcomed by the king, exchanging gifts and performing ceremonial customs. The king is astonished by the explorers' weaponry and technology, while the crew learns about the local culture, including the king's wealth, gold mines, and traditions. The detailed account reveals a mixture of diplomacy, friendship, and cultural exchange, showcasing both the curiosity of the explorers and the sophistication of the indigenous people.

Takeaways

• 😀 The captain sent a slave interpreter to the king to request provisions for the ships, emphasizing they came as friends, not enemies.
• 😀 The king met the captain, embraced him, and presented him with rice, fish, and other gifts in exchange for a red and yellow Turkish-style robe and other items.
• 😀 The captain demonstrated the strength of his soldiers by having one in white armor withstand attacks from others, impressing the king.
• 😀 The captain showed the king various weapons, tools, and the sea chart that guided their journey, leading to an exchange of knowledge and culture.
• 😀 The king expressed interest in visiting the captain's homeland and allowed two of his people to accompany the crew to learn about their culture.
• 😀 The king and the crew engaged in rituals, including raising their hands to the sky and sharing a ceremonial drinking experience before a feast.
• 😀 Despite being Good Friday, the narrator partook in a feast with the king, eating pig's flesh, and documenting their language and customs.
• 😀 The king's palace was built on raised timbers, and the crew dined with the king and his son, enjoying food like roasted fish and ginger.
• 😀 The king and his people used tree gum wrapped in leaves as torches, showcasing their unique local resources and practices.
• 😀 The following morning, the king bid the crew farewell, and a brother of the king, accompanied by three men, joined them for a meal before they departed.
• 😀 The island of the king was rich in gold, with gold used for vessels and parts of his house, highlighting the prosperity of the region.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the captain's visit to the king?

The captain visited the king to request provisions for his ships, explaining that he had not come as an enemy, but as a friend.

What gifts did the king give to the captain?

The king gave the captain three China dishes filled with rice, two durades (large fish), a sword, and several other items.

What gifts did the captain give to the king and his people?

The captain gave the king a red and yellow Turkish-style robe, a fine red cap, knives, mirrors, and other merchandise.

What did the captain demonstrate to the king as a display of power?

The captain displayed his artillery by firing some pieces in front of the king, and showed him a soldier wearing white armor, who was struck by swords and daggers to demonstrate the strength of a man in white armor.

How did the king respond to the captain's show of power?

The king was greatly astonished by the demonstration, and acknowledged that a man in white armor was worth a hundred of his men.

What was the king's reaction when the captain showed him the sea chart and compass?

The king was astonished when the captain explained how he had found the strait and shared his experience of being without land for an extended period of time.

What ceremony did the king perform before drinking with the captain?

The king raised his hands to the sky, then took the drinking vessel in his right hand while extending his left hand toward the people. He presented his fist to the captain, which led to a ceremonial exchange of gestures.

What type of food did the king serve the captain, and what was unique about their dining customs?

The king served dishes of rice, pig's flesh, and wine. Their dining custom involved raising their hands to heaven before drinking, and offering food with specific ceremonial gestures.

What kind of housing did the king live in, and how was it constructed?

The king's house was built like a hagridge, elevated high above the ground on large timbers, and it was covered with fig and palm leaves. The structure required the use of steps and ladders to access.

What did the king wear and what ornaments did he carry?

The king wore a silk cloth on his head and a cotton garment worked with silk that covered him from the waist to the knees. He had large gold rings in his ears and a gold-handled dagger with carved wood.