Paete, Laguna: The Town of Woodcarvers

Paete, a small town located in the province of Laguna, Philippines, is known for its woodcarving industry. The town is home to skilled artisans who have been honing their craft for generations.

_{Ramon FVelasquez, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

The History of Woodcarving in Paete

The art of woodcarving in Paete can be traced back to the Spanish colonial era, when the town's residents were commissioned to create religious statues and images for churches. These early carvings were simple in design and were mostly used for religious purposes. However, as the years went by, the skill and artistry of the Paete woodcarvers improved, and their creations became more intricate and detailed.

Today, Paete's woodcarvers continue to produce beautiful and unique pieces that range from religious statues and images to modern sculptures and home decor items. The town has become a popular destination for tourists who are interested in buying authentic and handmade woodcarvings.

_{Ramon FVelasquez, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

The Process of Woodcarving

The process of woodcarving in Paete starts with selecting the right piece of wood. The woodcarvers prefer to use narra, a type of hardwood that is native to the Philippines, as it is strong and durable. Once the wood is selected, the carver begins to sketch out the design on the wood using a pencil.

Next, the carver uses a variety of tools, including knives, chisels, and hammers, to carve the wood into the desired shape. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the design.

Finally, the carving is sanded to a smooth finish and then painted with vibrant colors. The finished product is then ready to be shipped off to its new home.

_{Ramon FVelasquez, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

The Future of Woodcarving in Paete

Despite the advancements in technology and the rise of mass-produced items, the art of woodcarving in Paete continues to thrive. The town's woodcarvers are constantly pushing the boundaries of their craft and experimenting with new designs and techniques. They are also working to promote their art to a wider audience through social media and online marketplaces.

One thing is for sure, the woodcarvers of Paete will continue to create beautiful and unique pieces that will be treasured for generations to come.

In conclusion, Paete is a small town with a big heart, where you can find the most beautiful and unique woodcarvings, made by skilled artisans who have been practicing their craft for generations. Next time you're in the Philippines, make sure to pay a visit to Paete and bring home a piece of their artistry. And if you're lucky, you might even meet a woodcarver who will tell you a joke or two while showing you around their workshop.

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Traditions that are related to woodcarving

_{Ramon FVelasquez, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

There are several traditional practices related to woodcarving in the Philippines. One of the most notable is the "santos" tradition. Santos, which means "saints" in Spanish, are religious statues and images that are created by woodcarvers. These statues are usually of Catholic saints and are used for religious rituals and ceremonies.

In the past, santos were commissioned by wealthy families and were used to decorate the altars of their homes. Today, santos are still created by woodcarvers, but they are also sold to individuals and institutions as decorative items or as part of religious collections.

Another traditional practice related to woodcarving in the Philippines is the creation of "okir" designs. Okir is a type of geometric and floral design that is commonly found in the southern Philippines. These designs are often carved into wooden furniture and other household items, and are considered to be a symbol of the region's cultural heritage.

Lastly, some of the woodcarvers in Paete, Laguna also make "kakanin" molds, these are molds used in making traditional Philippine rice cakes. The molds are usually made of hardwood and are intricately carved with different designs. These molds are passed down from generation to generation, and are considered to be a valuable part of the family's heritage.