These artworks are collaborative works by the Asgam Fern Fashion Accessories and Eduardo Mutuc. These represent the Philippines’ cultural identity as it is mixed with the historic designs of the Spaniards yet it has a touch of the Filipino heritage.
Gold Plated Pendant
Using the pukpuk technique, Eduardo created pendants that bring to mind the ancient gold jewelry accidentally unearthed in Surigao in the early 80s. The famous collection is considered an important archeological discovery that revealed the sophisticated jewelry-making techniques already in use in the Asian region way before the arrival of the Western explorers.
Bib necklace
Surigao’s indigenous weavers created their own pendants using dried agsam ferns, a plant native to the province. The components were then assembled into necklaces to create a dramatic contrast between Eduardo’s gleaming metal plates and the rustic agsam fern pieces. The collaborative series is an ambitious undertaking that unites the diverse influences that helped shape the Philippines’ cultural identity. It is also a reminder of a great past that we don’t know much about, immortalized in metal and the humble agsam fern.
Agsam Fern
This masterpiece is the signature look of the Asgam Fern Fashion Accessories’ that has been woven as well with ferns which is combined with natural materials.
Mama Mary with child Jesus
This sculpture was inspired by novena frames where Mama Mary is carrying the child Jesus. Mary is revered for her humility and motherly love. She is honored by all Christians, but particularly by Roman Catholics, who believe strongly in her mercy and her power to intercede with God. The Roman Catholic Church also teaches the doctrine of Mary's Immaculate Conception.
Pukpuk Silver metal work
When Eduardo Mutuc is working on metalwork, he begins with a detailed drawing. He then transfers the design to a block of wood by chiseling out the details. He then covers the wood with a metal sheet and then coaxes out the design through careful hammering with a mallet and an old rubber Lipper.
Eduardo Mutuc Cross
The cross is made of wood and brass. The piece is transitional, the metal "swag” could be removed and the cross itself can be taken out of the base for wall hanging.
Candelabra
a decorative motif derived from the pedestal or shaft used to support a lamp or candle. The Romans, developing Hellenistic precedents, made candelabra of great decorative richness.
Pukpuk of the Crucifix
The cross is made of wood and brass. The piece is transitional, the metal "swag” could be removed and the cross itself can be taken out of the base for wall hanging.