Silliman University Anthropological Museum

SILLIMAN HALL was built in 1909 as an addition to form an “L” with the original building built in 1902, now demolished. Silliman Institute was founded by a Christian Philanthropist, Horace B. Silliman, of Cohoes, New York. This building is considered the oldest wooden structure of Eastern Stick Style of American architecture in the Philippines. The ground floor, popularly known as the Assembly Hall, has cast iron columns and ornate metal pan ceiling salvaged from the debris of a theater in New York. For many years, (before the University Church and Luce Auditorium were built) the social and cultural events of the University including the mid-week Convocation and Sunday Worship Service were held in the Assembly Hall.

THE MUSEUM on the second floor was established in 1970 by Dr. Hubert I. Reynolds, an American Presbyterian missionary and former faculty member of the Sociology-Anthropology Department of Silliman University to house the collection of the Cultural Research Center that started in 1964. The exhibits are rare and priceless collections of ethnographic and archaeological artifacts which date back as early as 200 BC.

Through the initiative of the Center of Excellence in Coastal Resource Management (COE-CRM) as funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with the support of the Silliman University Administration, the restoration of Silliman Hall to its 1909 Eastern Stick Style was completed.

Today, many people resort to an inexpensive alternative medicine which is time tested and proven to be effective remedy for health-related problems, the commonly called traditional or folk medicine.

Ginger

Scientific name: Zingiber officinale
Local names: luya, luy-a

Medicinal use: Ginger is good for the respiratory system, excretory system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, and skin diseases. It may also be used as an antiseptic.

Minasa

A native pharmacological mixture of tiny chips from about 3500 medicinal trees, materials from the sea, items from the cave, and bits and pieces from the church mixed with lana (coconut oil). These are obtained from places selected by mananambals (folk healers) in Siquijor. This is used as medicine and for protection against sorcery.

Most of the archaeological artifacts are from different parts of Negros Island. Many were found in excavations in Danao Cave at Tayawan, Bayawan; Magsuhot, Bacong; Buntod, La Libertad; and Polopantao, Jimalalud, Negros Oriental. Some were also found in Japitan, Escalante, Negros Occidental; still others were discovered in Sultan Kudarat.

KULAMAN PLATEAU, SULTAN KUDARAT

The caves and rockshelters of Barangays Salangsang and Salaman are parts of Kulaman Plateau situated some 1000 m above the coastal plains of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat yielded various burial limestone urns and earthenwares.

The cultural materials found indicated a long period of accumulation that has changed through time and are still being modified by the present Manobo population.

BACONG EXCAVATION

Bacong, Negros Oriental is about 7 km away from Dumaguete City. The earthen wares that were found were called Bacong-Type Ware (BTW) after the place of Bacong. It was found that the site was said to be inhabited between 200 BC and AD 900 or during the Iron Age period as iron implements were also found together with the earthen wares with no Asian ceramics.

The entire collection, found in Magsuhot, consisted of 141 pieces, with five major morphological categories: round-bottomed vessels, ring-footed vessels, open-bottomed vessels, anthropomorphic vessels and massive jars.

BAYAWAN EXCAVATION

Excavation conducted by the Anthropology Museum team in Tayawan, Bayawan, Negros Oriental in November of 1971 yielded assemblage of decorated sherds from burial urns. An anthropomorphic jar cover was also found.

The museum houses contemporary ethnographic and archaeological artifacts collected from indigenous communities’ representative of known cultural groups all over the country.

Subog/Saboy (T’boli water container)

A dried hallow gourd with intricate laced rattan supporter and strap for the body and base, with decorated small beads for the plug. This is used as container for water or for seeds.

Ulayan (water dipper)

It is made of wood, coconut shell, and nylon string. The coconut shell bottom has five rows of holes. Handle has decorative incised design on it while the head portion is carved to form like a head of a particular animal.

The new ways of fishing are quicker and yield bigger catch. Yet, they destroy the oceans faster, leaving less for the future generations.

Today, indigenous fishing practices operate side by side with modern and effective fishing methods, putting the former in the disadvantageous situation in terms of sea harvest.

It takes one large tree to make a banca. The hull comes from a whole trunk of a tree. Can we afford to cut down trees to make more bancas?

This gallery chronicles a brief history of the Philippines from the Spanish era until the Martial Law years through the Travelling Exhibit of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The panel boards show various heroes who fought during the Philippines Revolution.

Illustrations include the important historical events during the second World War until the Martial Law years.

SULTAN OMAR KIRAM: A PROFILE

Sultan Omar Kiram, also known as Captain Vicente Austria, Uyaan Sultan of the Onayan Sultanate of Lanao, Philippines. Son of the former Sultan Omar Kiram and Bai Ampaso Saomay Mindalanao of the Sultanate of Onayan. Born April 24, 1914 and died April 19, 1986.

Early life
During the American occupation, Lanao was in turmoil due to divided support of the Maranaos to the new invaders. Tragedy occurred in the family of the sultan and the young Omar was left orphaned.

There are many versions to what happened to the young Omar Kiram. One version states that the boy was taken by a “commoner”. Another is that he was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Still another version tells of how his governess, Ishraida, following the order of Bai Ampaso Saomay Mindalanao took the child and hid him in Dansalan (now Marawi City). However, during their travel, the young Omar was lost to her when they were taken as prisoners by Moro collaborators. Not knowing the identity of the boy, Omar Kiram was sold with other children in Dansalan. He caught the attention of Sergeant Gil Austria (retired Scout, USA) and bought his freedom for 22 silver pesos.

Sergeant Gil Austria and his wife Lucia B. Suico did not have any children. They adopted the young Omar Kiram and gave him a Christian name: Vicente S. Austria.

The Austrias lived in Camp Keithley in Dansalan, an American military camp where he attended elementary and high school in Lanao High School.

As a student, he showed his talent in the arts when he won a painting competition that brought his entry to the World Fair in San Francisco, California. Then he also excelled in athletics as the best boxer of his age level.

Young Life and Military Service

Vicente Austria went to Adamson University in 1937 where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He also specialized in ceramics in Japan for his post-graduate study.

With his connections and friendship with some Americans during his early years in Camp Keithley, Austria was invited to give lectures and training in Silliman University on ceramics. He was again back in Silliman when he was called for active duty in the military and was assigned to train the ROTC cadets of the University.

Before WW II broke out, he married a close family friend, Nellie Lee Kelly, daughter of a Spanish-American war veteran, Marion Kelly and his Filipina wife, Epifania Maglunog. The couple was married on July 26, 1940.

Following the footsteps of his adoptive father, Sgt. Austria, Omar joined the military. He became more active in the military when his adoptive parents died at the hands of Moro outlaws. He was assigned to different regiments and earned numerous military awards for his service and valor in the field. Among these awards were: Bronze Star for heroic achievement, Purple Heart for being wounded in battle and a Silver Star for gallantry in action.

Government Service

After the war, Omar joined government service as personal security and private secretary of Senate Majority Floorleader Tomas Cabili, and as liaison officer for the provinces of Lanao, Cotabato, Davao and Sulu for the senator. He also served under the office of the then Secretary of National Defense Ramon Magsaysay as interpreter for the terms of surrender for post-war Muslim outlaws.

Other than that, he was involved in various projects of constructing infrastructures all over the country and securing lands for resettlement projects of the President.

Discovery of His Ancestry

The story of Sultan Omar Kiram is both tragic and inspiring. He lost his family and his royal heritage but managed to succeed in all his endeavors. His adoptive parents died without telling him of his adoption. He discovered his royal lineage only when a certain event brought him back to his village

It was during his service under Pres. Ramon Magsaysay that he learned about his heritage. Capt. Vicente Austria was sent on a mercy mission to help the village of Uyaan after an earthquake hit Lanao on April 19, 1955. Due to the tragedy that happened to the sultan’s family long time ago, no outsiders even Moros can enter the village unless one is a relative or a close friend of an Uyaan resident.

His bravery did not stop him to go to Uyaan to help the people. There he met his former governess Ishraida and upon her asking about the Captain’s hidden birthmarks, Omar Kiram’s ancestry was revealed.

Cong. Amir Mindalanao, his uncle and the spokesperson of Uyaan, told him everything about his
ancestry and was enthroned on September 24, 1955 with a lavish Muslim ceremony.

Other works and roles in the community

As cousin to Princess Tarhata Kiram and Sultan Esmail Kiram, successor to the Sultanate Throne of Sulu, he was actively involved in negotiating the country’s claim to Sabah. He was also a a member of YMCA and the Rotary Club of Kidapawan Chapter, a Mason of Kidapawan Lodge 170, District 46, Knights of Rizal in Kidapawan, and adviser to the Barrio Captains and Leaders Association in Kidapawan.

As a private citizen, he was occupied in managing his logging and lumber business.

Family life

His wife, Nellie Lee Kelly, also known as Bai Labi Laila Kiram. Their union produced ten children: Vivien Lee a.k.a. Princess Emraida, Vence Thomas a.k.a Sultan Omar Jr., Van Zandt, a.k.a. Prince Amir, Marinius, a.k.a. Prince Mustafa Al Faisal, Vienna May, a.k.a. Princess Yasmin, Nelven Hill, a.k.a. Prince Nasser, James William, a.k.a Prince Al Rachid, Pinky a.k.a Prince Mohamad Ali, Evelyn Lee a.k.a. Princess Tarhata, and Omar IV, a.k.a. Prince Karim.

As Omar’s health declined, a stroke made him bed ridden for about a year. Barely five days before his 72nd birthday he died from a heart attack on April 19, 1986. Sultan Omar Kiram was buried in accordance to Muslim custom.

Kiram Heirloom

Guard Ceremonial Sword

Gadol

Source:
Tayrus-Jereza, Charity. A Biography of Sultan Omar Kiram a.k.a. Vicente Austria (1914 to 1986). Master's Thesis. Silliman University, 2002.

SCHEDULE

Monday - Friday
8:30 - 11:30 AM
2:30 - 5:00 PM

Holiday or Weekends - by appointment

Support the maintenance of the museum and the preservation of its priceless collection, and the university's anthropological research and outreach programs.

CONTACT

Mrs. Cornelia P. Cadeliña
Curator

Christine S. Batiles
Assistant

Fred V. Cadeliña
Chair, SOAN Department

Giselle Ree M. Belnas
Ray-Anne Baroy
Stephanie Katrina Tabada
Docents

Telephone: +63 35 422 6002 (local) 207
E-mail: cpcadelina@gmail.com su_anthromuseum@yahoo.com;
Mobile: +63 916 680 5714



Featured Items	History Ethnomedicine Archaeological Collection Cultural Groups Coastal Resource Management Philippine History Sultan Omar Kiram Schedule & Contact SILLIMAN HALL was built in 1909 as an addition to form an “L” with the original building built in 1902, now demolished. Silliman Institute was founded by a Christian Philanthropist, Horace B. Silliman, of Cohoes, New York. This building is considered the oldest wooden structure of Eastern Stick Style of American architecture in the Philippines. The ground floor, popularly known as the Assembly Hall, has cast iron columns and ornate metal pan ceiling salvaged from the debris of a theater in New York. For many years, (before the University Church and Luce Auditorium were built) the social and cultural events of the University including the mid-week Convocation and Sunday Worship Service were held in the Assembly Hall. THE MUSEUM on the second floor was established in 1970 by Dr. Hubert I. Reynolds, an American Presbyterian missionary and former faculty member of the Sociology-Anthropology Department of Silliman University to house the collection of the Cultural Research Center that started in 1964. The exhibits are rare and priceless collections of ethnographic and archaeological artifacts which date back as early as 200 BC. Through the initiative of the Center of Excellence in Coastal Resource Management (COE-CRM) as funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with the support of the Silliman University Administration, the restoration of Silliman Hall to its 1909 Eastern Stick Style was completed. Today, many people resort to an inexpensive alternative medicine which is time tested and proven to be effective remedy for health-related problems, the commonly called traditional or folk medicine. Ginger Scientific name: Zingiber officinale Local names: luya, luy-a Medicinal use: Ginger is good for the respiratory system, excretory system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, and skin diseases. It may also be used as an antiseptic. Minasa A native pharmacological mixture of tiny chips from about 3500 medicinal trees, materials from the sea, items from the cave, and bits and pieces from the church mixed with lana (coconut oil). These are obtained from places selected by mananambals (folk healers) in Siquijor. This is used as medicine and for protection against sorcery. Most of the archaeological artifacts are from different parts of Negros Island. Many were found in excavations in Danao Cave at Tayawan, Bayawan; Magsuhot, Bacong; Buntod, La Libertad; and Polopantao, Jimalalud, Negros Oriental. Some were also found in Japitan, Escalante, Negros Occidental; still others were discovered in Sultan Kudarat. KULAMAN PLATEAU, SULTAN KUDARAT The caves and rockshelters of Barangays Salangsang and Salaman are parts of Kulaman Plateau situated some 1000 m above the coastal plains of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat yielded various burial limestone urns and earthenwares. The cultural materials found indicated a long period of accumulation that has changed through time and are still being modified by the present Manobo population. BACONG EXCAVATION Bacong, Negros Oriental is about 7 km away from Dumaguete City. The earthen wares that were found were called Bacong-Type Ware (BTW) after the place of Bacong. It was found that the site was said to be inhabited between 200 BC and AD 900 or during the Iron Age period as iron implements were also found together with the earthen wares with no Asian ceramics. The entire collection, found in Magsuhot, consisted of 141 pieces, with five major morphological categories: round-bottomed vessels, ring-footed vessels, open-bottomed vessels, anthropomorphic vessels and massive jars. BAYAWAN EXCAVATION Excavation conducted by the Anthropology Museum team in Tayawan, Bayawan, Negros Oriental in November of 1971 yielded assemblage of decorated sherds from burial urns. An anthropomorphic jar cover was also found. The museum houses contemporary ethnographic and archaeological artifacts collected from indigenous communities’ representative of known cultural groups all over the country. Subog/Saboy (T’boli water container) A dried hallow gourd with intricate laced rattan supporter and strap for the body and base, with decorated small beads for the plug. This is used as container for water or for seeds. Ulayan (water dipper) It is made of wood, coconut shell, and nylon string. The coconut shell bottom has five rows of holes. Handle has decorative incised design on it while the head portion is carved to form like a head of a particular animal. The new ways of fishing are quicker and yield bigger catch. Yet, they destroy the oceans faster, leaving less for the future generations. Today, indigenous fishing practices operate side by side with modern and effective fishing methods, putting the former in the disadvantageous situation in terms of sea harvest. It takes one large tree to make a banca. The hull comes from a whole trunk of a tree. Can we afford to cut down trees to make more bancas? This gallery chronicles a brief history of the Philippines from the Spanish era until the Martial Law years through the Travelling Exhibit of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The panel boards show various heroes who fought during the Philippines Revolution. Illustrations include the important historical events during the second World War until the Martial Law years. SULTAN OMAR KIRAM: A PROFILE Sultan Omar Kiram, also known as Captain Vicente Austria, Uyaan Sultan of the Onayan Sultanate of Lanao, Philippines. Son of the former Sultan Omar Kiram and Bai Ampaso Saomay Mindalanao of the Sultanate of Onayan. Born April 24, 1914 and died April 19, 1986. Early life During the American occupation, Lanao was in turmoil due to divided support of the Maranaos to the new invaders. Tragedy occurred in the family of the sultan and the young Omar was left orphaned. There are many versions to what happened to the young Omar Kiram. One version states that the boy was taken by a “commoner”. Another is that he was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Still another version tells of how his governess, Ishraida, following the order of Bai Ampaso Saomay Mindalanao took the child and hid him in Dansalan (now Marawi City). However, during their travel, the young Omar was lost to her when they were taken as prisoners by Moro collaborators. Not knowing the identity of the boy, Omar Kiram was sold with other children in Dansalan. He caught the attention of Sergeant Gil Austria (retired Scout, USA) and bought his freedom for 22 silver pesos. Sergeant Gil Austria and his wife Lucia B. Suico did not have any children. They adopted the young Omar Kiram and gave him a Christian name: Vicente S. Austria. The Austrias lived in Camp Keithley in Dansalan, an American military camp where he attended elementary and high school in Lanao High School. As a student, he showed his talent in the arts when he won a painting competition that brought his entry to the World Fair in San Francisco, California. Then he also excelled in athletics as the best boxer of his age level. Young Life and Military Service Vicente Austria went to Adamson University in 1937 where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He also specialized in ceramics in Japan for his post-graduate study. With his connections and friendship with some Americans during his early years in Camp Keithley, Austria was invited to give lectures and training in Silliman University on ceramics. He was again back in Silliman when he was called for active duty in the military and was assigned to train the ROTC cadets of the University. Before WW II broke out, he married a close family friend, Nellie Lee Kelly, daughter of a Spanish-American war veteran, Marion Kelly and his Filipina wife, Epifania Maglunog. The couple was married on July 26, 1940. Following the footsteps of his adoptive father, Sgt. Austria, Omar joined the military. He became more active in the military when his adoptive parents died at the hands of Moro outlaws. He was assigned to different regiments and earned numerous military awards for his service and valor in the field. Among these awards were: Bronze Star for heroic achievement, Purple Heart for being wounded in battle and a Silver Star for gallantry in action. Government Service After the war, Omar joined government service as personal security and private secretary of Senate Majority Floorleader Tomas Cabili, and as liaison officer for the provinces of Lanao, Cotabato, Davao and Sulu for the senator. He also served under the office of the then Secretary of National Defense Ramon Magsaysay as interpreter for the terms of surrender for post-war Muslim outlaws. Other than that, he was involved in various projects of constructing infrastructures all over the country and securing lands for resettlement projects of the President. Discovery of His Ancestry The story of Sultan Omar Kiram is both tragic and inspiring. He lost his family and his royal heritage but managed to succeed in all his endeavors. His adoptive parents died without telling him of his adoption. He discovered his royal lineage only when a certain event brought him back to his village It was during his service under Pres. Ramon Magsaysay that he learned about his heritage. Capt. Vicente Austria was sent on a mercy mission to help the village of Uyaan after an earthquake hit Lanao on April 19, 1955. Due to the tragedy that happened to the sultan’s family long time ago, no outsiders even Moros can enter the village unless one is a relative or a close friend of an Uyaan resident. His bravery did not stop him to go to Uyaan to help the people. There he met his former governess Ishraida and upon her asking about the Captain’s hidden birthmarks, Omar Kiram’s ancestry was revealed. Cong. Amir Mindalanao, his uncle and the spokesperson of Uyaan, told him everything about his ancestry and was enthroned on September 24, 1955 with a lavish Muslim ceremony. Other works and roles in the community As cousin to Princess Tarhata Kiram and Sultan Esmail Kiram, successor to the Sultanate Throne of Sulu, he was actively involved in negotiating the country’s claim to Sabah. He was also a a member of YMCA and the Rotary Club of Kidapawan Chapter, a Mason of Kidapawan Lodge 170, District 46, Knights of Rizal in Kidapawan, and adviser to the Barrio Captains and Leaders Association in Kidapawan. As a private citizen, he was occupied in managing his logging and lumber business. Family life His wife, Nellie Lee Kelly, also known as Bai Labi Laila Kiram. Their union produced ten children: Vivien Lee a.k.a. Princess Emraida, Vence Thomas a.k.a Sultan Omar Jr., Van Zandt, a.k.a. Prince Amir, Marinius, a.k.a. Prince Mustafa Al Faisal, Vienna May, a.k.a. Princess Yasmin, Nelven Hill, a.k.a. Prince Nasser, James William, a.k.a Prince Al Rachid, Pinky a.k.a Prince Mohamad Ali, Evelyn Lee a.k.a. Princess Tarhata, and Omar IV, a.k.a. Prince Karim. As Omar’s health declined, a stroke made him bed ridden for about a year. Barely five days before his 72nd birthday he died from a heart attack on April 19, 1986. Sultan Omar Kiram was buried in accordance to Muslim custom. Kiram Heirloom Guard Ceremonial Sword Gadol Source: Tayrus-Jereza, Charity. A Biography of Sultan Omar Kiram a.k.a. Vicente Austria (1914 to 1986). Master's Thesis. Silliman University, 2002. SCHEDULE Monday - Friday 8:30 - 11:30 AM 2:30 - 5:00 PM Holiday or Weekends - by appointment Support the maintenance of the museum and the preservation of its priceless collection, and the university's anthropological research and outreach programs. CONTACT Mrs. Cornelia P. Cadeliña Curator Christine S. Batiles Assistant Fred V. Cadeliña Chair, SOAN Department Giselle Ree M. Belnas Ray-Anne Baroy Stephanie Katrina Tabada Docents Telephone: +63 35 422 6002 (local) 207 E-mail: cpcadelina@gmail.com su_anthromuseum@yahoo.com; Mobile: +63 916 680 5714
SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY, DUMAGUETE CITY, 6200 PHILIPPINES