Kathleen Chryss D.

Calajate 2014-77366
Arkiyoloji 1 January 24, 2016

The concept of uniformitarianism which signaled the birth of modern geology in the
th
18 century can be summarized in one sentence: The present is the key to the past. In my
opinion, the same thing can be said in studying archaeology. After all, the evidences such as
artifacts, remains, and other finds that we unearth in the present times provide us with a
valuable sneak peek to the past. Little pieces of stone glass, tools and ceramics give us a
vague picture of what living in a certain era is like.

Henry Otley Beyer, the father of Philippine Anthropology, contributed vast amounts
of archaeologic data that helped us conserve evidence of our rich ancient culture. He visited
sites all over the Philippines, compiled his findings and wrote the Philippine Journal of
Science vol. 77, Outline Review of Philippine Archeology by Islands and Provinces. Which
leads me to the discussion of the various archaeological data found in my home province
Camarines Norte.

Prevalent human activities have significant impact not only on the Earths geology
and ecosystems but also on the study of the prehistoric man. How? Disturbances in a site can
either aid or ruin the evidences that can be unearthed in it. In Camarines Norte, the prevalent
activities are mining and railroad construction. These factors enabled Beyer to find extensive
data in the Bicol region. I will enumerate his archaeological findings below.

(a.) Tektites these were black glassy rocks that have an extraterrestrial or impact
origin. Its locally called Tae ng Bituin and was used as amulet, tools or
ornament during prehistoric times. The fascinating things is that the ones found at
Paracale were some of the biggest in the world.

(b.) Bronze and copper jewelry The earliest use of copper and bronze in the
Philippines was for ornaments which later on transitioned into tools. The use of
metals such as bronze, copper and iron lead to a new phase in cultural
development.

(c.) Porcelain and ceramic wares Since the 3rd century, our ancestors have been in
contact with our Southeast Asian neighbors. Our most active trading partner was
China, who introduced us to pottery and brought precious pieces from the Ming
and Yuan dynasties.

Our country has a truly remarkable and compelling cultural heritage. Thanks to Henry
Otley Beyer and the other pioneers in the study of archaeology and anthropology, we were
introduced and exposed to this kind of discovery. By finding out the archaeological finds in
my home town, I became genuinely interested in knowing more about our ancestry and about
the daily life of the prehistoric man.