Traditional arts and crafts from the villages have found new life as esoteric art forms and decorative accessories in modern homes in Manila.Art spans the Philippines from Manila's museums to the exterior décor of the most humble rural homes. Even the simple tools and weapons used by early nomads were artistically designed. The efforts of the first of 110 indigenous Filipino tribes had men and women donating a variety of hats, earrings, anklets, waist rings, bracelets and necklaces. Such artistic manifestations, influenced by religious beliefs and cultural practices, reached a zenith in the early Iron Age when Malays migrated in droves to the country.
Wood carvings, textiles and ceramicsSoon, visual art forms were expanded to include wood carvings, weaving, and ceramics. Creative artisans, seeing the wealth of available natural materials - bamboo, rattan, nipa palm, pina and abaca (pineapple and hemp fiber), shells and marble - used them to Create a wide range of handmade products, from small baskets to large pieces of furniture. Today, tourists will find brilliant woven fabrics, intricate jewelry, silver tribal jewelry, rustic wood and statues, ceramic pots, jade capiz shell chandeliers, pandan leaf carpet and coasters, woven rattan, and shiny brass. Among the favorites is to change the bag shaped from leather to fish.