Objects 66 National Treasure From left: a precolonial tutubi, or dragonfly, necklace; jewellery designer Joyce Mäkitalo in her workshop “Originally, jewellery was worn for its symbolism,” explains Mäkitalo. “It continues to be a sort of communication medium to this day. Like words, symbols hold energy that intend to protect, heal or remind.” Across civilisations, jewellery holds a certain kind of magic, capable of giving the wearer either protection or special powers. This ethos is deeply entrenched in Filipino culture. Amulets and charms, called agimat or anting-anting, still exist today and have roots in their indigenous heritage, yet are curiously married to the Catholic faith. The Bautistas have a vast collection of these mysterious artefacts from across Philippine history. Full of archetypal and mystical symbolism, these pieces have a stronghold in the local cultural psyche. A visit to Evangelista Street alongside Quiapo Church in Manila will take you through a cacophony of stalls filled with these magical trinkets. “As a child, I was made to wear an alligator tooth for protection and for the healing of a rather serious health issue I had, which did miraculously resolve,” recounts Mäkitalo. “This led to my fascination with talismans and symbols; they have become recurring themes in my jewellery.” The self-taught artist and designer is known for striking accessories that make use of stone, brass, silver and gold. “There is an extra layer of importance to jewellery that serves as a conduit for divine protection. It is empowering to always be reminded of the protection we can get from the divine and wear this thought every day, everywhere.” Back in Wilson’s Baguio flat, Magsano carefully reveals her most valuable objects – piloncitos. Collecting at the bottom of a wooden bowl are small beads of solid gold, no larger than a corn kernel and dating back more than a millennium. Despite their minute size, each one is finely stamped with baybayin, letters from the ancient Filipino alphabet. “These were used for trade during the ninth century, but they’re known to have existed centuries before that across the region,” notes Wilson. Their mere presence bears witness to a thriving, sophisticated, ancient civilisation that had strong diplomatic and economic ties beyond its shores. “Gold is valuable and has the ability to uplift and empower,” states government official and advocate of Philippine culture, Marie Venus Tan. “It’s a universal status symbol. It gives a certain sense of identity for the Philippines. We can be proud of this culture and heritage that is intrinsically ours. It’s so important that we cascade this information to the younger generations, to instil pride. We are not just a product of colonisation, but our own people. Gold is a language everyone understands.” CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
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