Philippine History in Wood

Fifteen reliefs by Luisito Ac-ac, from early communities to People Power.

15 works

Listen to the story

Photograph by Gary Cruz
Luisito Ac-ac, sculptor · Museum collection

Highlights of Philippine History

Luisito Ac-ac of Paete, Laguna, Philippines, is a well-known Filipino sculptor for his carvings of children playing traditional games, rural families at work, angelic religious relics, tableaus taken from native folklore and old Manila characters in refined poses.

Added to his many works are the bust of Dr. José Rizal and the 15 bas-reliefs depicting highlights of Philippine history, from early Filipinos to the People Power Revolution, all carved in baticuling wood and commissioned by the Philippine Folklife Museum Foundation.

These works of art can be viewed at the Philippine Folklife Museum at the Philippine Center Building, 447 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California 94108, in the 5th Floor Social Hall/Museum. Photos of the reliefs by Gary Cruz.

Watch

Ano nga ba ang kinabukasan ng pag-uukit sa bayan ng Paete? · GMA Public Affairs on YouTube · In TagalogIn this clip from Kara David's I-Witness documentary, Paete master carver Paloy Cagayat says few young people now take up woodcarving, though his youngest son, Franco, is carrying on the family craft. It also follows carver Pio and his grandson Neil Bagamano, who now share the work, with Neil carving the faces.

Historical notes

Added from published sources.

Exhibit photographs

Museum collection · © Philippine Folklife Museum Foundation