Are we remembered when we die? What if our tombstones gets covered in rubble thru time? How can we be remembered then? In our travels in discovery of our culture and parts of our history. We came upon these tombstones from the early 1800s from Chinese migrants. As we know Chinese junks came to our country for the purpose of trading and established a strong, good relationship with our country during that time.
Recovered and Remembered
Many of the Chinese were traders and carpenters. They were excellent laborers who helped to build churches, hospitals, houses and monasteries. They manufactured bricks ,roof tiles and lime building material from oyster shells and corals.
Their craftsmanship and still be in majestic cathedrals that can still be seen today.
If you would like to read more about the history of the Chinese migrants. Please feel free to read thru my previous works.
One of the churches they help build
Take Me to Church "San Agustin Church" - Beautiful Sunday
A brief history of the trade they brought to our country
History of the local store
A brief history how they adapted in the Spanish colonial era
Years of war and destruction has buried away a lot of memories from the past. Among these are tombstones of the Chinese migrants who has made their country as their own.
The material used for these tombstones are called Piedra China which are granite. When they traded and sailed to our country these huge granite were used as ballasts on their vessels which gave balance to their ships. When it is time to sail back they fill their ships with goods and leave these blocks in the country. A lot were left behind and were used as building material for churches, pavements, buildings and tombstones.
I was told that the inscriptions on these tombstones are the names of the departed, place of birth, date of death. Also including the names of the departed's family members.
I know we have a lot of Chinese Steemian friends out there and it would be great if we can get a translation on the tombstones. If there is something else written on it aside from names and dates. Maybe we could learn something more about the history.
Aside from the tombstones some relics from the churches that they help build were on display. Also crafted and introduced by the Chinese. If you would look closely these pieces has very strong oriental features and influence.
Here are some early woodcuts for printing of book dating back from the late 1500s. These are just facsimile of the woodcuts but the pages I believe are authentic.
Books were on display were some the first to be printed in the country with Spanish and Chinese writing.
Fusion of religion has also been born in this era. Intermarriage of Catholics and Buddhist evolved a religion which still echoes until today.
Burning incense in offering to the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is a sign of our strong bond in the past. This has become an embodiment of Kuan Yin the protector of seafarers. A lot of celebration are still held today with processions, fireworks and Chinese musicians performing.
Carved by the migrant artisans ivory carving was introduced to us. Among those on display are some of the works of the artisans.
Church vestment embroidered in gold with lotus and chrysanthemum design. Implication of its oriental influence which may also have been made by the migrant artisans. This piece is badly damaged but is now being preserved. It is indicated that this piece if more than 200 years old.
Artifacts that were recovered and now on display gives us a chance to look back. Learning from the past, knowing things that added to our identity is something to be remembered which crafted the culture that we have today. I hope you enjoyed this another short walk with me today.
Thank you everyone for the support and interest in my works. In my journey I hope to go deeper and share more about our culture in the days to come.
If you plan to visit to see and learn more please see reference below.
All photos shot and information sourced from location
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All photos are original and taken with
Lumix GX85 and 12-32 mm
