Reading 3: Cracks in the Parchment

"Cracks in the Parchment Curtain" is a work by William Henry Scott, a historian

known for his research on pre-colonial Philippines. This particular work is one of his
efforts to peel back the layers of colonial interpretation and narratives to unearth and
understand indigenous Philippine history and societies. Scott's endeavor aims to
provide a voice to the otherwise voiceless and to validate indigenous testimonies and
records.

​ Purpose and Themes:

● Scott's work is centered around debunking myths, particularly those
perpetuated by colonial powers about the pre-colonial Philippines. He
aimed to provide a more genuine and nuanced account of Philippine
history.
● The title itself, "Cracks in the Parchment Curtain," metaphorically suggests
a peek through the colonial narratives to understand the real history.
​ Methodology:
● William Henry Scott painstakingly examined primary sources, especially
those from early Spanish colonizers. This examination was to sift through
bias and uncover data that shed light on indigenous societies.
● He employed not just written records but also archaeological,
ethnographic, and linguistic evidence.
​ Key Findings:
● Indigenous Philippine societies had complex systems of governance,
trade, and social stratification, contradicting the colonial narrative of the
"primitive" or "barbaric" Filipino.
● These societies were not isolated but engaged in regional trade, had their
own writing system, and practiced sophisticated arts and metallurgy.
​ Significance:
● Scott's work played a vital role in reshaping the understanding and
teaching of Philippine history. He validated the importance of recognizing
pre-colonial Filipino societies as advanced and organized.
● His work encouraged further research in the field, pushing historians to
look beyond colonial documents and employ interdisciplinary approaches.
● For Filipinos, works like this are essential in reclaiming their identity,
undistorted by colonial perspectives.
​ Critique and Limitations:
 ● While Scott's work is revolutionary, like all historical interpretations, it isn't
free from biases or challenges. It's crucial to note that while he unveiled
many truths, these are still interpretations of available evidence.
● Some might argue that, in his effort to correct colonial biases, Scott could
lean more favorably towards the indigenous point of view.

In conclusion, "Cracks in the Parchment Curtain" is a seminal work that

challenged and corrected longstanding misconceptions about pre-colonial Philippine
societies. William Henry Scott's meticulous research and commitment to giving voice to
the indigenous perspective have made this work an essential read for anyone interested
in Philippine history. His methodology and findings not only provide insights into
pre-colonial Philippines but also underscore the importance of continually questioning
and revisiting accepted historical narratives.

Keynotes and anecdotes

1. “Colonial conditioning persists in diverse and subtle ways and as a consequence,
many Filipinos continue to carry the dead weight of colonial consciousness”
2. Iron curtains and bamboo curtains
3. “Yet there are cracks in that curtain, chinks, so to speak, through which fleeting
glimpses of Filipinos and their reactions to Spanish dominion may be seen”
4. Conquistadores/conquistador = a conqueror
5. “These insights do not generally appear in the official histories which are based
on the documents”
6. Salcedos hojas de servicios (Salcedos“service record”)
a. Explored the island of luzon
b. Discovered provinces of “Pangasinan, Ilocos, and Cagayan and that it is a
land rich with much gold”
7. Juan de Salcedos reputation
- One side: “ability to ingratiate himself with surrendering Filipinos and vice versa”
- Other side: “he was the object of strong criticism by Augustinian contemporary
fray marth de Rada for the excessive violence and bloodshed of the northern
expedition”

8. Legazpis occupation of Manila:

- Legazpi is met with Rajah Ache the Elder, Rajah Soliman chief of manila, Bunaw
Lakandula Chief of tondo
- They decided to be vassals of his majesty of Spain
- “All the chiefs had met together and decided among themselves that it would be
best for them to make peace and friendship among themselves that it would be
 best for them to make peace and friendship with the Spaniards and ve be
vassals of his majesty”

- “They are pleased and wished to be vassals of his majesty and as such promised
to keep perpetual peace with the Castillians”
- The Spanish said that they could seal their friendship and peace using their
respected tradition but the Filipinos insisted that it was not needed “They
considered the said Governor like a father” and with that, they therefore wanted
to make peace using the “Castile” way
- The author notes the fine detail that the Filipinos “they declined the offer to seal
the pact in the Filipino manner”
- Many Filipinos have done their deals with the Spanish through the traditional
way, The author notes “Is it possible that they had no real intention of making or
keeping the dictated pact”
- “Soliman did in fact counterattack the Spanish a few weeks later”