Pila's Ancient Crematorium
Several centuries before the advent of the Spaniards, Pila was already one of the most important centers of trade, as well as of culture during the early part of the second millennium (Tenazas n.d., see also Tenazas 1973). Also recovered archaeologically were a considerable quantity of exquisite Chinese porcelains (many of them completely unknown in the western collections) including vibrant figurines and scholar’s tools like miniature pouring vessels, brush washers and writing implements used in the art of calligraphy. The ancient Pileños tempered their mercantile spirit with aesthetic and spiritual values. Without neglecting the production and improvement of local earthenware, they accumulated works of art, which date back to the Dynaties of the Northern Sung (960-1127 A.D.), the Southern Sung (1127-1280 A.D.) and the Yuan (1280-1368 A.D.). And they regaled their loved ones with these masterpieces as pabaon (provisions) in their journey to a better world (Tenazas n.d., 12, 15-20). (4)
Pila's Ancient Crematorium
Several centuries before the advent of the Spaniards, Pila was already one of the most important centers of trade, as well as of culture during the early part of the second millennium (Tenazas n.d., see also Tenazas 1973). Also recovered archaeologically were a considerable quantity of exquisite Chinese porcelains (many of them completely unknown in the western collections) including vibrant figurines and scholar’s tools like miniature pouring vessels, brush washers and writing implements used in the art of calligraphy. The ancient Pileños tempered their mercantile spirit with aesthetic and spiritual values. Without neglecting the production and improvement of local earthenware, they accumulated works of art, which date back to the Dynaties of the Northern Sung (960-1127 A.D.), the Southern Sung (1127-1280 A.D.) and the Yuan (1280-1368 A.D.). And they regaled their loved ones with these masterpieces as pabaon (provisions) in their journey to a better world (Tenazas n.d., 12, 15-20). (4)