The Legend of Bukidnon Mountains - A Captivating Narrative Painted on Buffalo Hide

Filipino art from the 12th century offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and religious beliefs of the pre-colonial period. While much of this artwork has been lost to time, fragmented treasures remain – intricately woven tapestries, sculpted wooden figures imbued with spiritual significance, and captivating narratives painted onto buffalo hide.

One such remarkable piece is “The Legend of Bukidnon Mountains,” a painting attributed to the skilled artist Zaballero, whose mastery over natural pigments and storytelling through imagery continues to inspire awe centuries later.

This painting, estimated to be approximately 1 meter by 2 meters in size, depicts the epic tale of how the Bukidnon mountains were formed. It showcases a vibrant palette of ochre reds, deep indigo blues, and earthy greens derived from locally sourced pigments like clay, berries, and plant extracts. Zaballero’s meticulous brushstrokes, rendered using sharpened bamboo reeds, bring life to every element of the narrative.

Decoding the Narrative: Mountains, Monsters, and Divine Intervention!

The scene unfolds in a dynamic composition, with the majestic Bukidnon mountains dominating the backdrop. Jagged peaks pierce the heavens, their slopes shrouded in mist, hinting at the hidden secrets they hold.

At the foot of these colossal giants, we encounter the central figures of the legend: the courageous spirit-child Tala and the monstrous serpent Bakunawa who relentlessly devours the moon and sun, plunging the world into perpetual darkness. Bakunawa’s serpentine body coils menacingly across the canvas, its scales rendered in meticulous detail, each one a testament to Zaballero’s artistic prowess.

The legend tells of how Tala, empowered by the gods, bravely confronts Bakunawa, using her wit and agility to outsmart the fearsome creature. Zaballero cleverly depicts this pivotal scene through symbolic imagery:

• Tala’s spear, tipped with a radiant sunbeam, symbolizes her divine connection and unwavering determination.
• Bakunawa’s open maw, filled with swirling stars and celestial bodies, represents its insatiable hunger for light and its control over the celestial cycle.

The painting culminates in Tala’s triumph – she successfully retrieves the stolen moon and sun from Bakunawa’s grasp, restoring balance to the world and ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity for the people.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance: A Window into 12th Century Beliefs

“The Legend of Bukidnon Mountains,” while seemingly a fantastical tale, delves deep into the cultural beliefs and anxieties of the 12th century Filipino society. The fear of natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, often attributed to supernatural forces, finds expression in the depiction of Bakunawa as a destructive force capable of engulfing the celestial bodies.

Furthermore, Tala’s role as a brave and resourceful spirit-child reflects the importance placed on female deities and ancestral figures in Filipino mythology. Her triumph over Bakunawa symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and death, light and darkness, and the constant struggle between chaos and order.

The Enduring Legacy: A Treasured Artifact Preserved for Future Generations?

Sadly, “The Legend of Bukidnon Mountains” is a hypothetical creation imagined to demonstrate the potential richness of 12th-century Filipino art. While historical records are scant on specific works from this era, evidence suggests that painting, sculpting, and weaving flourished in various regions. Imagining masterpieces like Zaballero’s work allows us to contemplate the artistic genius that thrived centuries ago and inspires us to continue exploring the hidden treasures of Filipino history and cultural heritage.

The search for tangible remnants of this vibrant past continues, with researchers and archaeologists tirelessly unearthing artifacts and piecing together fragments of information. While “The Legend of Bukidnon Mountains” remains a fictional creation, its existence underscores the vast potential for artistic discovery that lies within the historical landscape of the Philippines.