Good day, Hivers! It's me again, Fevy, bringing you another story for today. Are you a history enthusiast or someone curious about Filipino culture? If yes, then you'll definitely love what I'm about to share today! This blog will take you on a virtual tour to a place where you can learn more about the Philippine history, the stories behind various artifacts and deepen your appreciation for our nation.
We often wonder, what was life like in the past? What really happened in the past? What were the things commonly used then? There are so many questions about history that's waiting to be answered. The Philippines, as an archipelagic country, our culture is incredibly diverse and unique—which is why it's worth exploring and cherishing.
Today, I will be your tour guide as we visit a museum and go into one of its galleries. Together, we will take a look and learn the various artifacts that plays an immense role to the lives of Filipinos in the past. Along the way, we'll not only gain knowledge but also feel a sense of pride in being a Filipino. This day is sure to be full of knowledge as we embrace the rich history and cultural heritage of our country.
Are you ready for this tour? Let's go!
Now, we're going to the University of San Carlos (USC) Museum located in the USC Downtown Campus—yes, you're right, it's a university. The USC, one of the oldest universities in the Philippines located in Cebu City, has its own museum.
Inside the museum, you can see various galleries and collections full of stories. But for today's blog, we will head to one of the galleries inside that's close to my heart and my favorite—the Ifugao: People of the Cordilleras Gallery . This gallery gives a unique sense of joy and pride as a Filipino, so it's definitely worth a visit.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The USC Museum is on the ground floor of the university, and the entrance fee is only P30. It is located in the heart of Cebu City—at the USC Downtown Campus on P. Del Rosario St., Cebu City. To get here, you can take a bus or a taxi, both of which you can easily find in the city. A quick and simple ride will lead you to this museum.
WELCOME TO THE USC MUSEUM
As I am heading to the USC Museum, I was immediately amazed by its displays outside.
There were vintage items like an old tape player, a Toshiba Laptop known as the world's first ultraportable laptop, old telephones, an old camera, and a compass . They are captivating to behold, as if you are walking through history.
But wait, we're still outside the museum! The real adventure lies inside, so let's step in and learn together.
A GLIMPSE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CORDILLERAS
Upon entering the gallery, a life-sized statue seems to greet you and invite you to enter the world of Ifugao.
This gallery is dedicated to the culture and history of the Ifugao people , an ethnic group from the Ifugao Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region of Northern Philippines.
Who are the Ifugaos ? They are known not only for their rich culture but also for their achievements especially the Banaue Rice Terraces , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These terraces were carved solely by their hands, stand as a testament to their perseverance and skill.
The gallery displays Therese Hermosisima Finnegan's collection of amazing indigenous crafts. You can see the bulul (rice gods), colorful jewelry, and various tools that play a significant part in their history—such as headhunter axes, spears, and shields that they used in ancient headhunting rituals. Every corner of the gallery tells a story, bringing the culture and history of the people of the Cordilleras to life.
When you enter the Ifugao Gallery, it's like stepping back into the history of our ancestors. Here are some of the must-see highlights:
• Weapons for Ancient Headhunting Rituals - Headhunting has been an important part of the Ifugao culture in ancient times. In the gallery, you will be amazed at the different weapons they used for this. It is evident here how important this ritual is in their history, which shows the bravery and strength of their community.
• Photographs of the Ifugao people -
One of my favorites in this gallery is the collection of pictures of the Ifugaos. I noticed a picture of a woman with tattoos on her body which is so beautiful and so breathtaking. According to the museum guide, these tattoos is not solely body art but symbolized achievements and bravery often earned after successful headhunting raids or battles.
• Anthropomorphic Statues of the Ifugaos and the Bulul (Guardians of the Rice Fields) -
Another impressive part of the gallery is the wooden statues called Bulul. You can see a lot of it inside, which is really fascinating. Bululs symbolizes the spirits of ancestors and are usually placed in rice granaries to protect the harvest. The Ifugaos believe that Bulul brings abundance and fertility to their lands.
• Boaya Necklace
Another fascinating piece is the Boaya Necklace, a necklace made from crocodile teeth, rattan, and wild boar teeth. It is usually worn by the Ifugao priests and warriors whenever there is a ceremony or ritual.
Indeed, the Ifugao: People of the Cordilleras Gallery has lots of fascinating stories to tell. Walking through the gallery felt like stepping into a time machine. It deepened my appreciation for the Philippines and the uniqueness of the Filipino culture. Each artifact had its own story which gave me a vivid picture of how the Ifugaos lived in the past. Also, I felt like a child seeing the world for the first time—filled with awe and curiosity. The vivid photographs, artifacts, as well as its tales, brought history to life and gave me a sense of pride as a Filipino.
If you enjoyed this virtual tour of the USC Museum's Ifugao: People of the Cordilleras Gallery , imagine how much more amazing it would be to see it in person. It's an unforgettable experience that will help you reconnect with our Filipino roots and heritage. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to the USC Museum and uncover the beauty of the Filipino culture and history.
That's all for today's virtual tour to the USC Museum's Ifugao: People of the Cordilleras Gallery everyone. I'd really appreciate it if you could upvote, comment, and share my blog. Thank you so much, Hivers and have a fabulous day ahead!
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