Philippine wooden art has a long history and tradition. Most of the art works in this country symbolize its nature and the history of its people.
Philippine woodcarvings are merely decorative and religious type. One of the most familiar type of woods for sculpture or furniture making
is the Narra wood. It is an exotic type of wood due to its waterproof characteristics, it has straight grains on it but sometimes crossed,
wavy or interlocked. The wood is hard, strong and extremely durable that’s why it is also being exported. Another type is the Acacia wood which
also used by many Filipino carvers because it’s softer and easy to carve than other types of wood. Filipino carvers export their carvings
abroad using these types of wood. Paete Laguna is a town recognized as woodcarving exporter. It is about 113 kilometers southeast of
Manila in the island of Luzon. This town is popular for religious arts and the word “Paete” itself means “chisel”. The craft that placed this town
on the world map and history is woodcarving, specifically, carvings of "pu-on"- images of the saints. There are many good carvers in Luzon and
in other islands of the Philippines. One of them is Manuel Matias who is a natural born artist and inherited his father’s gift.
Philippine woodcarvings are merely decorative and religious type. One of the most familiar type of woods for sculpture or furniture making
is the Narra wood. It is an exotic type of wood due to its waterproof characteristics, it has straight grains on it but sometimes crossed,
wavy or interlocked. The wood is hard, strong and extremely durable that’s why it is also being exported. Another type is the Acacia wood which
also used by many Filipino carvers because it’s softer and easy to carve than other types of wood. Filipino carvers export their carvings
abroad using these types of wood. Paete Laguna is a town recognized as woodcarving exporter. It is about 113 kilometers southeast of
Manila in the island of Luzon. This town is popular for religious arts and the word “Paete” itself means “chisel”. The craft that placed this town
on the world map and history is woodcarving, specifically, carvings of "pu-
Manuel Matias, born in Ligao Albay of the Bicol Region in the southern part of Luzon is another Filipino sculptor
and one among the good artists in this country in the wood sculpture genre. He uses Narra as primary type of
wood for his carvings turning 2D masterpiece paintings into 3D sculptures. His carvings are of different subjects
and most of the sold items were the religious type as Philippines is one of the most religious countries in the world.
He is a natural born artist who inherited his skills from his late father who was a very good sculptor as well.
His works are intricate, detailed and very competitive. His masterpieces sold were used for collections, gifts,
religious purposes and interior decorations. This site showcases his handcrafted and customized carvings.
You can visit our gallery to view photos and videos of some of the 3D sculptures which are now ready for sale.
and one among the good artists in this country in the wood sculpture genre. He uses Narra as primary type of
wood for his carvings turning 2D masterpiece paintings into 3D sculptures. His carvings are of different subjects
and most of the sold items were the religious type as Philippines is one of the most religious countries in the world.
He is a natural born artist who inherited his skills from his late father who was a very good sculptor as well.
His works are intricate, detailed and very competitive. His masterpieces sold were used for collections, gifts,
religious purposes and interior decorations. This site showcases his handcrafted and customized carvings.
You can visit our gallery to view photos and videos of some of the 3D sculptures which are now ready for sale.
HOLY FACE
NARRA WOOD
21.2 X 14 X 4 INCHES
NARRA WOOD
21.2 X 14 X 4 INCHES
This piece was carved
by Manuel Matias based
on the antique wall plaque
of the holy face of Jesus
which is also known as
“ The Veronica’s Veil” .
by Manuel Matias based
on the antique wall plaque
of the holy face of Jesus
which is also known as
“ The Veronica’s Veil” .
