via GMA News Online, 16 July 2024: The Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs in Rizal is thought to date back to 3,000 BC, making it one of the oldest known artworks in the Philippines. Discovered in 1965 by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco, these carvings feature 179 zoomorphic and geometric figures, showcasing the intelligence and cultural richness of ancient Filipinos.
In 2016, Dr. Andrea Jalandoni of Griffith University, Australia, visited the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs to document the rock art and create a three-dimensional model of these. She categorized the engravings into two phases. The first phase, the NMP said, comprised “geometric figures and ‘vulva’ forms,” while the more recent second phase comprised anthropomorphic figures, some of which were “complete with fingers, toes, head covering, and female genitalia.”
Aside from the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs, there are also other rock art sites that can be found in the Philippines, including the ancient rock art on the cave walls in Peñablanca, Cagayan. These anthropomorphic pictograms are estimated to be between 3,570 and 3,460 years Before Present, according to the NMP.
Source: What are the oldest known artworks in the Philippines? | GMA News Online
