Patricia M. Araneta, Ph.D., Curator

Indigenous textile arts in the Philippines demonstrate the ingenuity, creativity, adaptability, and sophistication of the early Filipinos. These manifest themselves today in contemporary arts and crafts. This exhibition is a moment to make today’s Filipinos aware that among our indigenous communities are living examples of how we might be able to restore some balance in our lives, in our country, and among global communities. It places the textiles in the context of community, environment, culture, tradition, spirit, and matter.

 

The exhibited textiles come from the Mercedes Zobel Collection, including examples she donated to Ayala Museum. The textiles gathered by Mercedes Zobel come from various other collectors, foremost of who are Ricardo Baylosis and Floy Quintos. Some of these objects have been previously published and exhibited. They are being shown as a collective for the purpose of elevating understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage and the traditional arts against a rich cultural and biological diversity. It is envisaged that this display will enable us to read the textile arts at a higher level of knowledge and consciousness.