Ang “Tradisyonal” at “Moderno” sa Higante ng Angono, Rizal<br> (“Traditional” and “Modern” in the Higante of Angono, Rizal)

Abstract

The paper studies the higante-making practice of Angono, Rizal, Philippines. This art form is considered as one of the town’s most prominent traditional practices, which peaks during the town fiesta and the Higantes Festival.

However, in recent years, higante-makers introduced changes in iconography, materials, and technique that prompted the invention of the terms tradisyonal and moderno as formal categories. The paper investigates the contested notions of tradition and modernity in the town’s higante-making practice as these are articulated in the tradisyonal and moderno. These terms not only represent the changes in form and theme in the higantes, but also the shifting construction of identity and configuration of the town’s cultural and political milieu.

Keywords: Tradition, modernity, folk art, higante (giant)