Arts & Crafts Glossary: Named Artifacts, Motifs, and Art Forms

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering named indigenous artifacts, decorative motifs, and craft categories from the Arts & Crafts Glossary.

What is a Burnay Jar, and what are its traditional uses?

A large, unglazed clay jar traditionally handmade in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, used to store water, rice wine (basi), or fermented fish paste (bagoong).

What is a Bulul, and what role does it serve for the Ifugao people?

A carved wooden figure of the Ifugao people representing an ancestral spirit or rice deity believed to guard the granary and bless the harvest.

What is Okir?

An intricate, flowing carving motif of curling vines, leaves, and geometric forms used by the Maranao on wood, brass, and textiles.

What is the Sarimanok, and what does it symbolize?

A legendary, brightly colored mythical bird of the Maranao, often shown with a fish in its beak or talons as a symbol of good fortune.

What is the Naga in Philippine indigenous art?

A serpent- or dragon-like figure found across Philippine indigenous art, often symbolizing water, protection, or spiritual power.

What is Binakol, and what spiritual purpose does its pattern serve?

An Ilocano weaving pattern of bold geometric, optical-illusion designs believed to dizzy and ward off evil spirits.

How is the Ilocano weaving style Pinilian defined?

An Ilocano "brocade" weaving technique that uses an extra weft thread to create raised, intricate decorative patterns.

What is Ikat?

A resist-dyeing technique in which threads are tied and dyed before weaving, producing blurred, intricate patterns.

What is a Basey Mat, and what material is used to create it?

A woven sleeping mat (banig) from Basey, Samar, traditionally made from dried tikog grass in colorful geometric designs.

What is a Gador?

A traditional unglazed clay water jar made by Cordillera communities, used for fetching and storing water in the household.

What are Panolong?

The carved, wing-like beam ends projecting from a Maranao torogan (royal house), decorated with okir motifs to display the family's status.

What is a Sunduk?

A carved wooden grave marker, often topped with a human figure, used by the T'boli and Blaan to honor and remember the dead.

How is Pottery defined in Philippine arts and crafts?

The craft of shaping and firing clay into functional or decorative vessels such as jars, pots, and bowls.

What is Carving?

The art of shaping wood, stone, or other materials by cutting away portions to form a figure, pattern, or design.

What is Weaving?

The craft of interlacing fibers—threads, grass, or bamboo strips—on a loom or by hand to create cloth or mats.

What is Metalwork?

The craft of shaping metals such as brass, bronze, silver, or iron into tools, weapons, utensils, or ornaments.

What is Brassware in the context of Philippine art?

Decorative or functional objects made of brass, often cast or engraved with intricate okir-like designs by Maranao artisans.

What is traditional Jewelry in indigenous art?

Ornamental pieces worn on the body, crafted from metal, beads, shells, or other materials to signify status or beauty.

What is a Basket in the Art Forms and Categories classification?

A container woven from natural fibers such as rattan, bamboo, or pandan, used for carrying, storing, or winnowing.

What is the traditional Cordillera woven backpack called, and what is its purpose?

The rattan pasiking, a woven carrying bag worn on the back that is used by farmers and travelers to carry goods.