Republik der Philippinen Botschaft und Ständige Vertretung bei den Internationalen Organisationen in Wien		Repúbliká ng Pilipinas Pásuguán at Pamalagiang Kinatawán sa mga Pangdáigdigang Kalipunán sa Vienna
PRESS RELEASE 09-09		16 June 2009

Book on Museum Collection of Philippine Objects Launched

VIENNA - The publication “The Philippines: Early Collections” was launched in Vienna this week bringing to public attention for the first time the Ethnology Museum of Vienna’s wealth of collection of ethnological objects as well as unpublished photos of the Philippines in the 18th and 19th century.

The book, a joint project of the Embassy of the Philippines and the museum, was presented at a reception hosted by Ambassador Linglingay F. Lacanlale on 15 June 2009 on the occasion of the 111th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Philippines.

The 92-page book highlights over 50 key pieces of the Museum’s 1,422 objects of the Philippines, which range from bulol from Ifugao, blankets from Abra, suklang (basket hat) from Bontok, gold jewelry from Batanes, musical instruments of Luzon, leg adornments from Mindoro, and amulets and swords (kampilan) from Mindanao. The Museum’s early collections were acquired from Alexander Schadenberg, Karl Alexander Anselm Freiherr von Hügel and Baron Richard von Drasche-Wartinberg.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo, in his foreword for the book, noted that the objects in the book “reflect the creative ingenuity and the rich diversity of Philippine culture and heritage.” He also pointed out that the publication will add to the expanding body of knowledge on the Philippines and Philippine communities.

Filipino experts Director Corazon Alvina of the National Museum of the Philippines and Dr. Ana Maria Theresa Labrador of Ateneo De Manila University collaborated with authors such as Dr. Eric Andersen, Dr. Jani Kuhnt-Saptodewo, Ursula Brandl-Straka, Barbara Pönighaus-Matuella, Reinhold Mittersaksschmöller, Johann Stockinger and Oliver Moiseanu on the book.