9/7/2021 Taka (paper mache) - Wikipedia

Taka (paper mache)

Taka refers to papier-mâché made using carved wooden
sculpture used as a mold. The craft originated in the town
of Paete, Laguna in the Philippines.[1]

Contents
History
Taka-making
Subjects of Taka
Horse taka in display in Paete, Laguna.
References

History
Taka was made by Paete local, Maria Piday. During Christmas, Piday was in charge of the church's
decorations. The wooden angels and cherub was heavy causing the carvings to fall. Piday devised the
lightweight taka papier-mâché as an alternative to the wooden sculptures. Piday was also a maker of
local toys such as the yoyo and the small acrobat hand puppet. Taka eventually became folk art and
was sold to nearby towns for festivals. In the 1970s, Tere Afuang, a knowledgeable practitioner of the
craft, popularized the craft.[1]

Taka-making
A takaan, a carved wooden sculpture, is used as a mold in making taka. Brown craft paper is used as a
final layer for taka made for export. This provides a thicker base and smoother finish for the craft.
Taka is also painted. The traditional way of painting a taka is to use primary colors, add simple flower
motifs and use repetitive lines and shapes. Gold finish, usually used in angel, reindeer and huge taka
is accomplished by using gilded paper.[1]

Subjects of Taka

Common and traditional subjects of taka include the manok, kabayo, kalabaw, dalaga (chicken,
horse, carabao, maiden) which is made primarily for local use. Due to exposure and migration of
Paete residents to Manila and abroad, European-influenced papier-mâché toys began to be made for
export to other countries, such as Germany. Taka images now include those of Santa Claus, reindeer,
giraffes, and other subjects that are in demand.[1]

References
1. Datuin, Flaudette May; et al. (1997). "Paete:A Living Fusion of Art & Society". Art and Society.
Diliman, Quezon City: University of the Philippines. pp. 240–241. ISBN 971-91907-01.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taka_(paper_mache) 1/2
9/7/2021 Taka (paper mache) - Wikipedia

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Taka_(paper_mache)&oldid=1007082029"

This page was last edited on 16 February 2021, at 10:52 (UTC).

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License;

additional terms may apply. By using this
site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia
Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taka_(paper_mache) 2/2