bRaSSwArEs . . . a cEnTurY oLd aRtWoRkS iN cOtAbAtO cITY

Metal works in the sultanate is one of the oldest craft in Cotabato City and Maguindanao which is believed to have started centuries ago.  This can be attested by private collections, shops and museums aside from the exquisite works of brasswares found in the city.

Like any other countries in the world, we are just proud about this cultural heritage and brasswares found here is one that is ancient and have made the city known for.  It is like one of the artworks made and flourished hundreds of years ago.

Brass and brasswares was one of the sought-after items  in the bygone days. It may sound so surprising but I almost became like a currency in that it could be traded  practically for anything.

The brassware role was important in the people lives that a man who wished to tie the marriage-knot had to give his dowry in the form of brass gongs and cannons. Fines and debts were also paid in brass articles, particularly gongs and cannons.

Gradually the possession and the use of brassware grew into such significance that it was looked upon as the yardstick of a person’s wealth in the same way as one is today judged by the amount of the money one has in the bank.

 

Brass work is much older than other crafts in Cotabato City and therefore it is familiar in the Old homes of Maguindanaon and Maranao of Cotabato, especially the rich and powerful  according to the history and records.