Early Grave Idols as an Indication of Belief in the
Afterlife
By: Giovanni
J.R.C.
It was clear that during the 14th-16th
Century, perhaps even earlier, early Filipinos already had a concept of the
afterlife. This is verified by
gravesites found in Punta Buaya, Calatagan,
and Batangas.
These graves contained grave goods such as: shells, porcelain, glass beads, earthenware,
etc. Through these furnishings, it is
quite apparent that the dead were prepared for the afterlife by giving them
items they might need in the next plain of existence. The most fascinating of these grave artifacts
however, is the discovery of small figurines made of either: stone, wood, ivory
or shell. This icon is called the “Likha” which literally means something created . It is unclear as to what the purpose of this
item is but it is obvious that it is not a grave marker for most of them were
found by the feet of the remains. It is
clear though that it has something to do with the afterlife since it is found
with furnishings for the spirit world.
There is no standard design for this item as is displayed by
the variety of its appearance. Some were
as minimal as a cube-like stone figure with no more than a separation between
the head and the torso. While some were
relatively intricate with “Buddha-like” features.
*Based on
the writings of Jesus T. Peralta (Filipino Heritage vol. 3)
