Chinese jars were central to trade-exchange relationships conducted by Mindanao’s mountain, forest and coastal communities. Both lowland and upland communities were most interested in the acquisition of Chinese porcelain jars. The value and social status attached to Chinese porcelain jars were such that they were even accepted in lieu of a head in head-hunting raids. Tinguian folk tales are replete with stories of the magical abilities, adventures, and supernatural ancestry of porcelain jars. In these tales, Chinese jars could speak.

Source: Manila Times August 22, 2016 16:30 UTC