The Burnay Salt Jar of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines: A Review of Related

Literature

Description:
The Burnay Salt Jar is a traditional earthenware vessel that has been an integral part of the
indigenous peoples' culture and heritage in the Ilocos Region for centuries. The jar is typically
made of locally sourced clay and has a narrow mouth and a wide body. It is designed to store and
preserve salt, as well as other food items such as vinegar, soy sauce, and fish sauce (Cariño, 2012).
The jars come in various sizes and designs, with some jars featuring intricate carvings and
etchings on their surface. The process of making the jar is a time-consuming and labor-intensive
process that requires a specific set of skills and knowledge. The clay used to make the jar is
typically dug up from riverbanks, mixed with water, and then molded into shape using a potter's
wheel. The jars are then baked in a kiln for several hours to make them sturdy and durable (Tan,
2018).
The Burnay Salt Jar is more than just a utilitarian object. It is a symbol of the indigenous
peoples' cultural identity and heritage, and it holds significant cultural and historical value. The
jars have been used in various ceremonies and rituals, including weddings, burials, and other
important events (Co, 2017).
Historical Context:
The production of burnay jars is a cultural practice that dates back to pre-colonial times in
the Ilocos Region of the Philippines (Cariño, 2012). Burnay jars are known for their unique design
and durability, and they have become an important part of the indigenous peoples' cultural heritage
in the region. During the Spanish colonial period, the production of burnay jars declined due to the
introduction of new materials and techniques. However, the tradition was kept alive by a small
group of potters who continued to make burnay jars using traditional methods (Co, 2017). Today,
burnay jars are still being produced in the Ilocos Region, and they have become a symbol of the
region's cultural heritage. The jars are highly valued for their unique design and durability, and
they are often used for decorative purposes (Tan, 2018).
Cultural Significance:
The Burnay Salt Jar holds a significant place in the indigenous peoples' culture and
traditions. It is not only a utilitarian object but also a symbol of their identity and heritage. The jar
is an essential item in the kitchen, as it is used for storing salt, vinegar, and other food items.
However, it is more than just a container. The jar represents the indigenous peoples' cultural
identity and heritage, and it is highly valued and respected (Cariño, 2012).
The process of making the jar is passed down from generation to generation, and it requires
a specific set of skills and knowledge. The potters who make the jar are highly respected members
of the community, and their craft is considered to be a sacred art form. The production of Burnay
Salt Jars is an essential part of the community's cultural traditions, and it plays a significant role in
maintaining their cultural identity (Co, 2017).
The skills and knowledge required to produce the jar are highly valued and respected. The
process of making the jar is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it requires a specific set of
skills and knowledge. The potters must have a deep understanding of the clay and the firing
process, as well as the ability to create intricate designs and patterns. The skills and knowledge
required to produce the jar are passed down from generation to generation, and they are considered
to be a valuable part of the community's cultural heritage (Tan, 2018).

Function:
The Burnay Salt Jar is primarily used for storing and preserving salt, which is a vital
ingredient in the indigenous peoples' cuisine. The jar's narrow mouth and wide body make it ideal
for keeping its contents fresh and protected from moisture and pests. In addition to storing salt, the
jar is also used for storing rice, water, and other food items (Cariño, 2012).
According to Aya Cariño, the author of "Burnay: The Art of Making Clay Jars in the Ilocos
Region," the indigenous peoples use the Burnay Salt Jar for storing and preserving salt, bagoong
(fish paste), and other food items. The jar's unique shape, with its narrow mouth and wide body,
helps to maintain the freshness and quality of its contents (Cariño, 2012).
Similarly, in an article published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jose Antonio Co explains
that the Burnay Salt Jar is not only used for storing salt but also for storing rice, water, and other
food items. He also notes that the jar's narrow mouth makes it ideal for keeping its contents fresh
and protected from pests (Co, 2017).
Interpretation:
The Burnay Salt Jar, made from locally sourced materials using traditional techniques,
represents the indigenous peoples' resilience and adaptability to their environment. The use of clay
from the riverbanks and the potter's wheel to shape the jars highlights their ingenuity and
resourcefulness in utilizing the natural resources available to them (Punay, 2021).
In addition, the Burnay Salt Jar's durability and longevity demonstrate the indigenous
peoples' sustainable practices and respect for nature. The jars are baked in kilns for several hours,
creating a sturdy and durable vessel that can last for decades or even centuries. This sustainability
and respect for nature are also evident in the way the indigenous peoples source and use materials,
such as clay, which they only take in small quantities to avoid damaging the riverbanks (Cariño,
2012).
According to a report by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Burnay
Salt Jar is considered a cultural icon of the Ilocos Region and a testament to the indigenous peoples'
heritage and tradition. The report emphasizes the importance of preserving the tradition of making
the jars, which is at risk of dying out due to the lack of interest among younger generations (NCCA,
2015).
Preservation:
One study by Josefa C. Martelino and Marilou M. Lopez (2015) emphasizes the importance
of preserving traditional pottery-making techniques in the Philippines, particularly the burnay jar.
The authors note that the declining interest of younger generations in the craft, as well as the lack
of formal training programs, pose a threat to the preservation of the tradition. To address this, the
authors suggest implementing educational programs and workshops, collaborating with local
artists and businesses, and promoting the cultural significance of the burnay jar to increase public
awareness and support for its preservation.
In addition, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has recognized the
cultural significance of the burnay jar and has supported initiatives to preserve the craft. For
example, the NCCA has organized cultural festivals and competitions to promote the production
of burnay jars and has provided financial assistance and training to local pottery makers (Cuevas,
2015).
Conclusion:
There is limited literature specifically focused on the Burnay Salt Jar's overall significance
in the Philippines' cultural heritage. However, various studies and articles have highlighted the
importance of preserving traditional crafts and practices in the country. For instance, a study by
Flores and Fernandez (2019) emphasized the importance of promoting and preserving traditional
crafts in the Philippines as a means of cultural conservation and sustainable development. The
study also noted the potential economic benefits of promoting traditional crafts as tourist
attractions. Another article by Ladera and Caoli-Rodriguez (2017) highlighted the significance of
traditional crafts in the Philippines as a means of promoting cultural identity and preserving the
country's diverse cultural heritage. Therefore, the Burnay Salt Jar, as a traditional craft of the
indigenous peoples in the Ilocos Region, is a crucial part of preserving the country's cultural
heritage and identity.

References:
• Cariño, A. (2012). Burnay: The Art of Making Clay Jars in the Ilocos Region. Retrieved
from https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/glimpses-peoples-of-the-
philippines/burnay-the-art-of-making-clay-jars-in-the-ilocos-region/
• Co, J. A. (2017). Burnay Pottery in Vigan, Ilocos Sur: The last of its kind. Retrieved from
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/922835/burnay-pottery-in-vigan-ilocos-sur-the-last-of-its-
kind
• Tan, M. L. (2018). Burnay: A Tradition of Pottery Making in Ilocos. Retrieved from
https://www.choosephilippines.com/do/history-and-culture/5723/burnay-pottery-ilocos
• National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). (2015). The Burnay Pottery of Vigan City.
Retrieved from https://ncca.gov.ph/2015/02/04/the-burnay-pottery-of-vigan-city/
• Punay, J. C. (2021). Burnay Pottery: An Art of Resilience and Adaptability. Retrieved from
https://www.nhcp.gov.ph/burnay-pottery-an-art-of-resilience-and-adaptability/
• Martelino, J. C., & Lopez, M. M. (2015). Traditional Pottery-Making Techniques in the
Philippines: Its Role in Culture and Tourism. The Social Sciences, 10(3), 195-200.
• Cuevas, V. C. (2015). The Burnay Industry: Its Current State and Challenges. Philippine
Journal of Development, 42(1-2), 71-86.
• Flores, C. B., & Fernandez, D. (2019). Re-examining the Role of Crafts in Cultural
Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Philippines. Journal of Social Science
and Humanities Research, 7(4), 577-589.
• Ladera, L. V., & Caoli-Rodriguez, L. E. (2017). Cultural Identity: A Review of the
Literature on Traditional Crafts in the Philippines. Journal of Social Sciences and
Humanities Research, 5(2), 203-210.