Archaeology of Pigs
Are hamon or lechon served on your table for Nochebuena and Media Noche?
On the last week of celebrating this month’s festive season, today’s #TrowelTuesday by the #NationalMuseumPH highlights pigs in the context of archaeology.
The role and evidence of pigs in prehistoric times can be traced back to the trash deposits mostly in areas or zones identified archaeologically as residential. Pig remains from Philippine archaeological sites are usually represented by the teeth and fragmentary bones, found associated with pottery, cobble and flake tools, other animal bones, and human bones.
Excavated pig remains in the Batanes Islands and Nagsabaran in Cagayan, dated about 3200 years and about 4500 years ago, point to pigs’ earliest existence in the Philippines based on archaeological evidence.
The acquisition of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in prehistoric times was through hunting activities or trading. Excavations in Leta-Leta Cave in Palawan yielded modified fragmented pig bones, suggesting the animal’s use other than as food. The bones are dagger-shaped, carved, with a hole drilled at the larger end, probably used as implements or pendants.
A boar’s canine recovered from a burial site at Wahing Cave A in Mabini, Bohol, found with a deer antler fashioned into a pendant, indicates the early practice of ornamentation and the materials used for adornment. Using pigs’ teeth as necklaces, especially the canine, has been observed in the country. This practice of using these remains as ornaments and charms persists in some ethnolinguistic groups.
Historically, pigs served as sacrificial animals, along with chickens, water buffaloes, and dogs. It is usually part of the ritual feasting events, offered together with plant foods and alcoholic beverages. The quantity and quality of offered pigs are dependent on the social rank, wealth, and political power of the sponsoring elite. Apportionment of the food also reflects the social status of the feast’s participants and their relationship with the sponsor.
During the feast, whole or pre-butchered parts or chosen cuts of the animal are given to the elite. The crania or skull of the sacrificed pig was a preferred body part, displayed inside or outside the house as a potent symbol of wealth and social prominence in the community after the sponsored celebration. Pigs represent a consumable animal wealth traditionally expended in status-reinforcing feasts.
Before the festive season ends, celebrate it by exploring your #NationalMuseumPH collections by booking a tour through this website.
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Text by Ame Garong and Hazel Ramirez and poster by Timothy James Vitales | NMP Archaeology Division
© National Museum of the Philippines (2021)
