Capiz Shells and Windows to Indigenous Artistry

The term capiz is chronicled in the Vocabulario de la lengua tagala ( The second dictionary of the Tagalog language in 1860 by Juan de Noceda and Pedro de Sanlucar). The dictionary lists its definition of capiz, indicating the ubiquitous use of the shell as a substitute for glass in the Spanish and presumably pre Spanish colonial history of the Philippines.

With it being lightweight and boasting a natural iridescence, capiz shell has been used to make everything from chandeliers to jewelry. Similar in appearance to Mother of Pearl, capiz shell is coveted for its delicate appearance and natural luster. Capiz comes from the shell of the Placuna placenta mollusk, which is native to the Philippines. The mollusks are edible, which means fishermen can harvest them for their meat and reduce waste by reusing their shells for décor and handicrafts (All About Capiz, n.d.).

Traditionally, capiz shell was used as a substitute for glass, which is nicknamed the “windowpane oyster”. As far back as the 16th century, Spanish settlers in the Philippines utilized it to stained glass windows for churches. Scientifically known as Placuna placenta, The shell was prolific and ubiquitous in the Philippine waters during the early Spanish regime and it was recorded that an estimated five million of these shells were used each year in Manila alone.

The indigenous artistry and architecture of capiz manifested in historical buildings are at Manila and all over the country, as well as in modern times where this is used for decorative purposes, And the demand for the shell is continuous.

In the Philippines, they are found all over the archipelago. Such places as Cavite, Ilocos sur, Iloilo, Davao del sur, and especially Capiz.

The process of making capiz goods involves several steps. Capiz starts as round, jagged pieces of shell, which are first soaked in tubs of water and mild acid to clean and soften them. This is to make it light so that the artist will draw by drawing dark paint. After soaking, they are laid out to dry. Using large scissors, artists then carefully cut the shells into smaller shapes. Once the pieces are cut, artists can add color by immersing them in bleach and applying special dyes to the surface.

For a final step, artists might trim the pieces with metal binding. This is particularly tricky and requires great skill in order to prevent the shell from cracking or breaking. Once the pieces are trimmed, artists can use them for jewelry, string them up into a garland, or hang them from a metal frame to create an exquisite chime.

There is a gallery in the Nation Museum of Fine Arts that highlights Placuna placenta and its significance in Philippine art and architecture. It features parts of capiz window panels from the Philippine Normal University and Santa Ana Church, architectural documentations of historical structures in Manila and miniature oil paintings on capiz shells by artist Gregory Halili (Placuna Placenta, n.d.).

For artists like Gregory Halili, capiz shells serve as a canvas in telling stories through his miniature oil paintings with works measuring from one by one to 12 by 12 inches.

Halili’s works on capiz to make portraits and seascapes. His intimate eye portraits taught the stories of people whose lives were shaped by their proximity to the ocean, like fishermen, crab catchers, pearl divers, and salt makers.

His seascapes and choral works are so microscopic that they are unrecognizable from afar. It invites the viewer to take a closer look and appreciate the delicate details depicting the mood of the sea and his environment. However, his recent works now focus on the fragility and the state of the sea and marine life due to the effects of climate change. The beautiful effect and function of capiz shells, and diffusing light for windows and doors, as well as its natural brilliance and adaptability, makes it also desirable for shell craft products such as lanterns, panels, partitions, shades, souvenirs.

Sources:

• Placuna placenta. (n.d.). Pambansang Museo Ng Pilipinas. Retrieved December 10, 2022, from https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/exhibitions/fine-arts/gallery-20/
• All About Capiz. (n.d.). Cultural Elements. Retrieved December 10, 2022, from https://blog.culturalelements.com/all-about-capiz/