Davao Museum

The rich cultural heritage of Davao stems from the different groups and tribes that populated the area throughout its history. For those interested, the best way to learn about them is by going to the Davao Museum.

The Davao Museum is situated some 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) from the heart of the city, and is located near the Davao International airport. This makes it an ideal stop for tourists and travelers.

The museum itself has two floors, and showcases the very best of its culture and crafts. In particular the handicraft, instruments and way of life of the various tribes are presented there. These include the Mandaya, B’laan, Tiboli, Manobo, Mansaka and Baghobo tribes.

When you enter the Davao Museum among the first things that will catch your eye is the timeline, or chronology of historical events of the province. It commences from the earliest archaeological findings, to the settlements of the various indigenous peoples, up to the present day.

The highlight of the Davao Museum are the showcase pieces featuring the various artifacts from the various peoples and historical periods. These range from tribal clothing, handicrafts, pottery, jars and vases (referred to as Martaban). There are also several pieces of jewelry that one can look at. In other words, all the crafts of the ancient peoples you will be able to examine and learn about.

In addition, there is a huge gallery of artwork in the museum. These include, but are not limited to, ceramics, sculptures and carvings of all the various groups and peoples that have lived in Davao. There is also a wide array of musical tools dating from the ancient times on display.

The Davao Museum also contains a large number of archaeological discoveries and artifacts that have been unearthed not just in the province but in several parts of Mindanao. There are also several items that came from the belongings of some of the city’s founding fathers.

Finally there is a souvenir shop right in the Davao Museum where you can purchase items, personally made by the local tribes. Nearby you will also see the women of the various tribes engaged in weaving in the T’Boli Weaving Center. Contructing the cloth from the abaca plants, the work showcases the various myths and legends associated with each tribe.

The Davao Museum is located at the Zonta Building, Insular Village Phase I, Lanang in Davao City, Davao. It is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Museo Dabawenyo

After its opening in 2008, the Museo Dabawenyo has established itself as a top-drawing tourist destination in Davao City. Housed in the renovated old Court of First Instance building along Magallanes Street, Museo Dabawenyos has become a must see for locals and tourists especially during the Araw and Dabaw and Kadayawan celebrations. 

Inspired by Soledad “Nanay Soling” Duterte, mother of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Vice Mayor Sara Duterte, the museum was built through the partnership of the City Government of Davao, the Culture and Arts Council and the private sector. It was inaugurated in March 2008 as one of the highlights of the 71st Araw ng Dabaw celebration. Museo Dabawenyo showcases the cultural diversity and rich history of Davao as well as Mindanao.

Among its attractions are the Indigenous People’s (IP) Gallery, the Moro People’s Gallery and the Old Davao Landmarks Gallery. The IP Gallery has exhibits on the five tribes of Davao City-Bagobo Tagabawa, the Jangan or Klata, the Obo, the Matigsalug and the Ata-Manobo with their tribal weapons, native musical instruments, and handicrafts.

The Moro People’s Gallery showcases the arts and crafts and tradition of the Kalagan, Maguindanao, Maranao, Tausug and Sama tribes. The Old Davao Landmarks Gallery shows interesting photos of the old schools, churches, houses, centers and buildings, as well as maps and some aerial shots of Davao City in the past. Also at the museum are bits and pieces of Davao’s historical mementos, tokens, icons, photos, illustrations, documents, costumes, furniture, among others” displayed at the Davao Global Heritage Hall of The Memorabilia Gallery.

The Contemporary Gallery featuring The Nanay Soling Duterte Hall is the “hall of changing exhibits showcasing Davao arts, culture, trade and industry”. It is the intention of the Museo Dabawenyo to support Davao’s budding artists whose works exemplify the Dabawenyo spirit.

Other attraction at museum are The Peace Counts Gallery, Museo Library and Audio/Visual Room, which stores documents and the museum pieces on Davao’s history, arts and culture, including all the scholarly books and studies written by Dabawenyos.

The Remarkable Dabawenyo Gallery/The Datu Bago Hall showcases photos of prominent individuals and groups who shaped and reshaped Davao through its historic years that began in 1848.

Article source: durianpost.wordpress.com