[Time Trowel] Heritage for whom?
What does it mean when we say Filipino heritage? After enduring more than three centuries of colonial subjugation, how do we define our collective cultural identity? How do we bridge our aspirations for nationhood and the need to honor our country’s indigenous histories? As May marks the National Heritage Month, it provides an opportunity to examine the intricacies of heritage, culture, and history. It is an invitation not just to celebrate our past but to actively engage with it.
[Time Trowel] Was there a Philippine Kingdom named ‘Kalaga Putuan Crescent’?
There’s a need for more stringent, ethical research practices...to ensure our cultural artifacts are not misused or misrepresented. Archaeology is not just about digging up artifacts; it’s a gateway to understanding our complex past. However, archaeology in the Philippines faces hurdles like limited research funding and public awareness, which hinder our ability to fully appreciate our rich heritage. Without adequate resources and attention, our archaeological endeavors are severely hampered, leaving countless stories buried beneath the sands of time.
[Time Trowel] Mentorship matters
Mentorship not only shapes academic paths but also life trajectories, highlighting the need for a supportive and understanding educational environments for all students. April marks a time of transition and celebration for graduates in the Philippines. My own academic journey, which began over three decades ago, is a manifestation to this period of change – a journey kickstarted by a setback that ultimately opened the door to new opportunities.
[Time Trowel] Evolution and the sneakiness of COVID
'The newer versions of COVID-19 are less like a raging bull in a china shop, and more like a sneaky cat burglar, slipping in unnoticed but everywhere'. Last month, I wrote about human evolution and the increasing importance of island Southeast Asia in the diversity of the genus homo. As a prime example of evolutionary development, the emergence of new species, called speciation, is governed by the four forces of evolution: mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and natural selection. But here’s the twist: our understanding of evolution itself is a bit like fashion trends in science — constantly evolving as new collections (or in this case, datasets) strut onto the scene, challenging last season’s haute couture models. This fluid nature of science means that our models adapt and change, sometimes as dramatically as bell-bottoms giving way to skinny jeans.
[Time Trowel] From the apes to adobo
'The evolutionary journey from the African savannas to the shores of the Philippines is a story of remarkable adaptability and resilience, a powerful reminder of our shared heritage'. Ever paused mid-scroll on your smartphone and pondered, “Why am I not walking on all fours like my pet cat?” This question might seem whimsical at first, but it invites us to embark on a journey back in time. Imagine, a long, long time ago, our ancestors lounging in the vast African savanna, not worrying about wi-fi, but survival. In this deep historical narrative, we find the roots of our evolution. Transitioning from this thought to our early ancestors, we realize that this story, our story, is not just about biological changes.
The return of ancient Cotabato limestone urns to the PH, the return of dignity to Filipino heritage
With the Von Dem Hagen Collection's return, it carries a nation's hopes and aspirations, symbolizing the Philippines' cultural richness. These artifacts offer not just a spectacle but a learning moment. They are bridges to cultures and histories, transforming the urns’ journey from private collection to public exhibit into a narrative of reconnection and a reminder of our custodial duty to a shared human story. The artifacts’ imminent repatriation to the National Museum of the Philippines is a pivotal moment, signifying more than a transfer — it represents the return of dignity to Filipino heritage.
[Time Trowel] From ancient artifacts to today’s trash: Debunking misconceptions about archaeology
'Every coffee cup, every beer bottle, every tweet, is a breadcrumb in the trail of our collective story.... It’s a study of human life that invites everyone to the table — no time machine needed.' Traditionally, archaeology has been perceived as the study of human history by excavating and analyzing artifacts, architecture, and biofacts from the distant past. Indeed, it’s about piecing together the puzzles of past societies, from the opulence of their cities to the simplicity of their daily utensils, to form a picture of life as it was lived centuries or even millennia ago. However, this narrow view obscures the vital role archaeology plays in not only revealing our past but also understanding our present and informing our future.
[Time Trowel] There is more to archaeology than Indiana Jones’ pistol and whip
Rappler's newest Thought Leaders column is by anthropological archaeologist Stephen Acabado, whose work is rooted in the exploration and understanding of Southeast Asia's historical and cultural landscapes. A trowel (/ˈtraʊ.əl/), in the hands of an archaeologist, is like a trusty sidekick – a tiny, yet mighty, instrument that uncovers ancient secrets, one well-placed scoop at a time. It’s the Sherlock Holmes of the excavation site, revealing clues about the past with every delicate swipe.
