Burial and Afterlife Belief

Some archeological remains were found which provide blatant evidence that the early Filipinos give respect to their dead love ones. There were areas where archeological experts unearthed relics suggest that when an individual died they were given a formal burial. Some artifacts excavated yielded not only bones of human beings but also pottery, burial jars, gold, jade ornaments, and glass beads that are thousands of years old and reflect their way of living.

The Manunggul vase being discovered is perhaps the strongest evidence that prehistoric man believed in the afterlife. This artifacts unearthed in the Tabon Caves in Palawan is a vase which Robert Fox claims to be the most beautiful burial jar in the whole of Southeast Asia. It is intricately designed. The cover of the jar supports a ship of the dead with two figures holding a paddle each, sailing into the netherworld. Red hematite painting accentuated sophisticated and attractive designs on the body of the jar. The cover design is further proof of early Filipinos’ belief in the afterworld. Jars unearthed in the Bato Caves in Sorsogon also contain bodies of the dead. The bodies were first treated ritually and then hidden in inaccessible limestone caves.

However, other jars also give subtle indications of prehistoric man's belief in the afterlife. Earthenware vessels used in making rice wine for rituals have been found. Some burial jars were covered with a plate or large bowls on its mouth, and other, smaller jars contained animal bones. These are said to be the food of the dead in their journey to the afterlife. Also uncovered were tall foot stands supporting a shallow plate. It was believed that this was used for ritual offerings.

It is also believed that they extend an effort to reminisce the memory of their dead love ones and should be remembered for a lifetime. An offering of wine and food is their way to interact with them. They believe that when their spirits get angry a member of the family will get sick.