CONTEMPLATING MAN - Carving/Sculpture

CONTEMPLATING MAN - Carving/Sculpture (As New) Piece: 'Contemplating Man' by Jose Alcantara Design: Man sitting with arms crossed and head bowed down resting on knees. "Contemplating Man" Material: Batikuling wood / Handcrafted Condition: 10/10 Excellent, as New Dimensions: 6.5" (H) x 4.5" (W) x 5" (D) Handmade in the Philippines Artist: Jose Alcantara is known to be the last maestro of traditional wood carving in the Philippines. Born in Pasay City, he trained in the atelier of the prince of Philippine sculpture during the colonial period, Isabelo Tampinco, after which he worked as a carver in the furniture shop of Gonzalo Puyat. Batikuling wood the prefered material for wood carving is treated to repel termites. The wood is light but can last for a lifetime. Wood carving in the Philippines is a tradition dating back to pre-colonial times.This beautifully hand carved piece features a man (presumably a monk...) in a sitting or squatting position with head resting in crossed arms and provokes a relaxed zen appeal. Native Filipinos carved boats, plows, arrows, spears, and other essential items, often creating ornamental patterns for the use of the tribal hierarchy and to celebrate special occasions. In early times, figurines such as the “Tanod” were carved as totems to protect villages and ward off evil. *v*