Indigenous art materials

Indigenous art materials

Natural materials inherent to a specific place or locality.

Abaca

Fiber extracted from the leaf sheath around the trunk of the abaca plant, used in arts and initially for ropes.

Coconut Shells

Shells from coconuts used for wood carving, cooking utensils, and can resemble turquoise or ivory.

Bamboo

Versatile grass-like plant stem commonly used in art found throughout the Philippines.

Capiz shells

Shells from the windowpane oyster abundant in the Philippines, used for windows, lanterns, and walling.

Rattan

Renewable palm material used in furniture, handicrafts, and building, grown in Western Visayas and Mindanao.

Cowrie shells

Small shells used in jewelry and crafts, found on sandy seafloors around the Philippine islands.

Junk materials

Repurposed materials like plastic, wood, and metal used in junk art.

Dried leaves

Leaves from palm, pandanus, or sea grass used in creating artistic mats.

Plant seeds

Seeds like corn, sorghum, and sunflower seeds used in seed art for creative and colorful designs.

Rocks and sand

Abundant materials used in various art forms.

Traditional and non-traditional

Local art materials can be traditional (e.g., crayons) or non-traditional (e.g., coffee), similar to junk art materials.