Pieces of the Philippine gold that once belonged to forgotten royalty of the Philippines.
NEW YORK CITY — Exquisite pieces of pre-colonial gold unearthed in the Philippines will be showcased at the Asia Society Museum here September 11 through January 3, 2016.
Approximately 120 spectacular works of art from the 10th to the 13th century will be unveiled consisting of jewelry worn by royal tribal families, resembling mythical faces, funerary masks, ritualistic objects and ceremonial weapons.
The exhibit titled “Philippine Gold: Treasures of Forgotten Kingdom,” is part of the collection of Ayala Museum in the Philippines numbering over 1,000 intriguing pieces assembled by the noted archaeologist-collector Cecilia Y. Locsin and her late husband Leandro V. Locsin (1928-1994).
A solid gold halter weighs 25 pounds, worn around the chest of a nobleman.
The gold objects were found accidentally during an agricultural irrigation in Butuan in 1981. The southern part of the Philippines rose to prominence in the 10th century and declined in the 13th century. Personal adornments found in the old kingdom of Butuan appear to be primarily elite regalia.
The wide assortment of jewelry, belts and adornments once belonged to several persons of different height, weight and gender, probably part of the ruling family’s heirloom. The identity of the owners of these treasures remain unknown.
Highlights of the exhibit include opera and vocal performances, rondalla ensemble, lecture series, music, dance and art workshop and Philippine food pop-ups featuring local guest chefs on Friday nights in October and November.
Events around town: Ryan Cayabyab and Joseph Legaspi will present “Songs From Home” at St. Peter’s University (Oct. 1); Zarzuela at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center (Oct. 2); Spoliarium with Fides Cuyugan Asencio at Tribeca Performing Arts (Oct. 3); lecture by Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio; and Philippine film series in November. For a calendar of events and latest update, visit www.asiasociety.org/Philippines2015
Presenting the Philippine gold exhibit are (left to right) Adrianna Proser, curator of Asia Society, Florina Capistrano-Baker, co-curator of Ayala Museum, Deputy Consul General Kira Danganan, lawyer Loida Nicolas Lewis, chair of the Gala Benefit Committee and Rachel Cooper, Asia Society. PHOTO BY CAROL TANJUTCO
Asia Society President and CEO Josette Sheeran notes, “These stunning gold treasures from the Philippines are not only historically significant, but also demonstrate a rich cultural heritage and point of pride for Filipinos. The Philippine Gold exhibition showcases the great history of a little-known but captivating era.”
Chairperson of the Philippine Gold exhibit Gala Benefit Committee, lawyer Loida Nicolas Lewis is actively rallying every Filipino American group to bring the exhibit to the world, ecstatically calling it our version of “King Tut” exhibit.
Asia Society presents a wide range of traditional and contemporary exhibitions of Asian and Asian American art, taking new approaches to familiar masterpieces and introducing under-recognized art and artists.
The Asia Society Museum Collection comprises a traditional art collection, including the initial bequests of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller III and a contemporary art collection focused on new media.
Tickets for the premier night celebration of the Philippine Gold exhibit on September 11 and group tour packages can be arranged through PhilippineGold@AsiaPacific.org
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