THE RELEVANCE OF WOOD CARVING IN PAETE, LAGUNA

A Case Study

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 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Wood carving is a form of art that includes any kind of wood sculptures. It is a type of
wood working by means of different cutting materials such as carving knife, gouge, chisel, palm
tools, and mallet. Wood carving is common to all society and culture from the Stone Age up
until in the present time. Wooden objects are used in some ritual function especially for
Christians, they used to build a wooden statue of their various religious figures and saints and
some different religious purposes.

During the colonization of the Spaniards in the Philippines, conquistador Miguel Lopez
de Legaspi called the Filipinos “buen ebanistas” after seeing the wood crafts of the Filipinos.
Before the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines, Filipinos engaging in the art of wood carving.
Native Filipinos carved boats, plows, arrows, spears, and other essential items, often creating
ornamental patterns for the use of the tribal hierarchy and to celebrate special occasions. Wood
Carving is important since it has fascinated a lot of people and Filipinos have been influenced by
different cultures that made our woodcraft unique. Different styles and different tastes from our
native heritage and culture that made us who we are today.
 CHAPTER 2
BACKGROUND OF THE TOPIC

In the Philippines, there are places that are very popular because of their culture.
Although, Paete is a small town in the province of Laguna, it is rich in culture by means of old-
carving tradition and it is very popular for their numerous artwork just like artcrafts which are
created by those highly skilled craftsmen and artisans. Paete is derived from the word “paet”
which means chisel.

The artworks of the Paeteños are influenced by the Spaniards when they arrived in the
Philippines. Most of their subject in woodcraft are religious themed. Wooden objects and statues
in the Catholic church and wooden furnitures in houses were usually made in Paete, Laguna. The
exquisite talents of Paeteños reached overseas and the superb craftsmanship of their works
reportedly displayed and used in some countries such as the Vatican and United States.

The talent of Paeteños have a great reputation in industry of wood carving in the
Philippines. Aside from religious carving, the town recognized for their artcrafts of wooden
shoes “bakya” and modern “yoyo” that are originated in the Philippines. This lucrative industry
unfastened several other crafts, like woodcarving, furniture making, paper-mache, paper pulp,
resin and countless notable creations from the town declared as the Carving Capital of the
Philippines on March 15, 2005 under Presidential Proclamation No. 809.

The preferred material for wood carving is the Batikuling wood, it can last for lifetime
and has smell that can repel termites. Other woods that are used with very tough, heavy and
expensive such as narra, molave, kamaggong, santol, mango, and acacia. As the time passes by,
the old-carving tradition of Paeteños is gradually dying because of the biggest challenge for the
craftsmen which is the scarce supply of woods and the generation today is lack of knowledge and
training in wood carving.
 CHAPTER 3
IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

The importance of the study of wood carving has so many aspects to the culture and to
us. Those who want to know what is in the wood carving of Paete, Laguna, what artworks do
they have, art forms that we should know there, different types of materials they used, what is the
purpose of it, how do they do the beautiful masterpiece of them. In this study we will know what
kind of wood carving is in Paete, Laguna. The artworks they make are really great to look at.
This study also shows what are the importance of wood carving in this region.

Significance of the Study

The study, "Relevance of Wood Carving in Paete, Laguna" can be a basis on

understanding the importance of wood carving as the culture of Paeteños. This study will benefit
the following groups:

Wood Carvers

This study will help the wood carvers to distinguish the importance of wood carving and
how it is essential when it comes on preserving their culture.

Young Generation of Paeteños

Young generation of Paeteños may benefit on this study. This may help them learn and
explore things about woodcrafts including information on how it began and how important it is
to their town.

Future Researchers

This study can serve as a source of information or a basis for the future researchers to
look into or to rely on, especially when they will be having the same topic as the researcher's
study topic.
 CHAPTER 4
DATA GATHERING AND PRESENTATION OF DATA

Result of Interviews that shows The Relevance of

Wood Carving in Paete, Laguna
Extract Question Answer

1 Do you think that Respondent 1: “Woodcarving is greatly important in Paete

woodcarving is especially in terms of culture, history, and economy. First, in culture,
important in Paete wood carving gives Paete a sense of cultural identity since Paete has
Laguna? How? Or been known as the Wood Carving Capital of the Philippines since
why?
2001. Second, in history, as far as I know, the history of Paete
consists greatly of wood carving. For instance, because of wood
carving, Mariano Madrinan, a Paeteno, was recognized
internationally for his work and so as the Paete. Lastly, in terms of
economy, wood carving is the primary source of income of the
Paetenos before so it sustains the life of every people in Paete.
Further, before the pandemic hits, a lot of tourist goes to Paete just
to buy the wood carve products. The income from this contributed a
lot to the municipal fund which made it possible for the Paete to fund
the projects of the town. In all of these, wood carving really plays a
significant role in Paete.”
Respondent 2: “Of course, I think woodcarving is very important in
Paete Laguna since it is in fact the woodcarving capital of the
Philippines so obviously it's one of the things that us Paeteños are
proud of. Also, if I'm not mistaken, it's one of the major sources of
income in the province.”
Respondent 3: “Yes, wood carving is important, because it is being
the culture and also business of the people here in Paete.”
Respondent 4: “Yes, because Paete was mainly recognized for it
and woodcarving has been a major part of their culture and heritage.
Paeteños have an artistic eye and are naturally talented woodcarvers
so they use that to their advantage.”
Respondent 5: “Yes, it’s important. Aside for being well-known the
Wood Carving of the Philippines. By woodcarving, it shows the
success and life of Paete, Laguna. It’s also one of the best business
of the residents because wood carving has become their job and
passion to do a lot of business.”
2 Do you think that Respondent 1: “I think, though wood carving plays an important
the tradition of role in Paete, it is gradually dying because of the rapid development
Paeteños (wood in technology. A lot of people would prefer the short time production
carving) is of a wood carve product than to wait for a considerable amount of
gradually dying
time. Time is important nowadays for people, that's why, I think, is a
today? Why?
factor why woodcarving is gradually dying.”
Respondent 2: “I can't say that the woodcarving tradition of the
Paeteños are gradually dying, in fact, I think that won't happen
because woodcarving is what Paete Laguna is actually well known of
so I don't think the people would let the tradition or their passion die.
I also still see people selling their wooden crafts at every corner of
the street so if that's any indication then I'm sure the tradition won't
die.”
Respondent 3: “No, because there are still people in Paete are
creating or getting their own style of carving, there are also being
invented on ice carving and even in fruits. There are still events in
Paete every year of a competition of ice and fruit carving every July
24th before the festival.”
Respondent 4: “No, because they've passed in on for generations
and they value their culture a lot for what I know.”
Respondent 5: “ I think, though wood carving plays an important
role in Paete, it is gradually dying because of the rapid development
in technology. A lot of people would prefer the short time production
of a wood carve product than to wait for a considerable amount of
time. Time is important nowadays for people, that's why, I think, is a
factor why woodcarving is gradually dying.”

3 Do you think that Respondent 1: “Yes, why not? Wood carving is still an art activity
the tradition of that enables someone to express their emotions. This form of art also
Paeteños can be promotes the essence of hard work and patience that people should
continued by learn these days when we get somethings instantly. This tradition
today’s
should not be left in the past because what makes the future is the
generation? Why?
past. Wood carving is what makes the Paete today.”
Respondent 2: “Yes, of course, I think today's generation can most
certainly continue the tradition that is if they're willing to, but I doubt
the tradition will die and stop flourishing in this time because
woodcarving has been the source of income of many Paeteños and I
think if you live in Paete, woodcarving would grow on you and you'd
get to enjoy doing it yourself even maybe to just past time or maybe
even as a career.”
Respondent 3: “Yes, because in our generation, some grandparents
or parent are still teaching some techniques on how to carve in the
proper and easy way.”
Respondent 4: “Yes, because Paetenos are proud of their culture
and it's embedded in their dna somehow to be naturally talented
woodcarvers so no matter the generation, it will be continued and I
think Paete's history is very well preserved, they are not very
civilized after all.”
Respondent 5: “Yes, it can be continuing and influence by today’s
generation as long they keep the spirit and pass through their
knowledge and skills. Spread and guide them on how to handle this
kind of tradition which can help woodcarving tradition be more alive
and full of art.”
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION/ RECOMMENDATION

This study shows that wood carving is very important to the Paeteños, since because of
the woodcarving, the place Laguna was known and was called the woodcarving capital of the
Philippines. This has been their livelihood from then up until now and it is their main source of
income. As the days goes by, the passion for carving gradually disappears due to the fact that
young people are now focused on the new technology but the passion of Paeteños is still living in
their hearts. The municipality has projects to continue the interest of young people in engraving
such as free tutorials and different contest in fiestas. Therefore, we recommend to continue the
woodcarving in Paete laguna, continue the government projects related to woodcarving such as
various tutorials and seminar
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Britannica. 28 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 791–97. Wiki:
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Baraoidan, K. (2019, April 28). Wood carving art alive in Paete. Philippine Daily Inquirer.
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The Mixed Culture. (2013, November 8). Carving Capital of the Philippines: Paete, Laguna.
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