Exhibit of PHL artifacts in Paris 'a rare glimpse into Pinoy soul'

The Philippines' first grand exhibition at the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris, showcasing pre-colonial Philippine artifacts, was officially opened on Monday. Vice President Jejomar Binay represented President Benigno Aquino III at the opening of the exhibition entitled "Philippines: Archipel des échanges," according to a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) statement released Wednesday. "We are proud to share with France and the world our collection of pre-colonial art including four of our priceless national treasures and more than 300 ancient artifacts assembled from public and private collections, giving a glimpse of the Filipino soul in ancient times and the diversity and richness of Philippine culture and tradition," Binay said. He added that the works of art provided "a rare and wondrous glimpse of the Filipino soul in ancient times, an inspiring introduction to the diversity and richness of Philippine culture, tradition and the excellence of our pre-colonial art." The exhibit, which may be viewed in the museum from April 9 to July 14 this year, features more than 300 artworks focusing on pre-colonial Philippines. The pieces were selected from public and private collections in the Philippines, Europe, and the United States. Four national treasures are included in the exhibition: - Oton Death Mask, - Palawan Zoomorphic Ear Pendant, - Pendant flower, fragment of ear pendant with ring and quadrangular body, and the - Maitum Anthropomorphic Burial Jar. The exhibit is the largest on the Philippines in the last 20 years in France, and the first large exhibition dedicated to Philippine traditional and ancestral arts in Europe. "Now more than ever are the Philippines, France and all countries in the world called upon to maintain the openness, the exchanges that have contributed to the progress of our countries and the upliftment of all mankind," he told the guests, who included French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and other French and Filipino dignitaries. PHL, France relations Meanwhile, Binay also expressed his desire to strengthen relations between the Philippines and France through talks with Ayrault. In a post on his Facebook account Wednesday, Binay said he would convey the Philippines' gratitude for the exhibit, and will "discuss possibilities for strengthening relations between the two countries." "Today, the Philippines actively engages the community of nations in all spheres – political, economic and socio-cultural. Building on our legacy as Asia’s first democracy, defender of freedom and equality among nations, the Philippines is actively contributing to promote peace and stability in the world," Binay said at the opening of the exhibit. He also noted the gains of the Philippines in the economic front and urged further collaboration between the Philippines and France. - Gian C. Geronimo/VVP, GMA News