Diasporic Threads in Providence : Redefining Filipino
Identity and Community Through Arts and Celebration

The Banig:

In the Philippines, banig (traditional mat) is present in Filipinos’ everyday life. It is used for sleeping, sitting, eating, dancing, wedding, birth, celebration, and prayer. As diasporic Filipinos disperse around the globe, weaving, textiles, music, food, and celebration are some ways to reconnect with the homeland and heritage. Banig has been a part of Filipino culture, history, and art even before the archipelago got colonized. The practice of mat-making indicates a strong bond that unites communities and fellowmen together and links the past, the present, and the future through an unbroken chain of tacit knowledge. Banig is a living cultural practice that has survived strong waves of colonization. It is a symbol of the Filipino diaspora as well as a representation of brown skin that is underrepresented and unseen.

The Hiker Statue:

The Hiker statue made by a Massachusetts sculptor named Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson honors American soldiers who served in the Spanish-American War (1898–1902). Depicting a foot soldier dressed in military fatigues, with a rifle slung over his shoulder. Fought primarily in Cuba and the Philippines, the conflict pitted Cuban patriots, whom the United States supported in its efforts to establish itself as a dominant power in the Western hemisphere, against Spanish colonial power. The United States defeated Spain, and after seizing the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, emerged as a true world power.

The first Hiker was made in 1906 for the University of Minnesota. After the Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island bought the rights to the sculpture in 1921 at least 50 copies were made and exist across the country including Rhode Island, Texas, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, California, and many other states. The statue found at Kennedy Plaza was installed in 1911, and dedicated in 1927. The Placard reads: “This Monument Erected by The City of Providence to her sons who on land and sea defended the Nation’s honor in the war with Spain, the Insurrection in the Philippines and the China Relief Expedition 1898-1902.”

​

Temporary Public Art Display 

The purpose of the temporary public art display is to promote the visibility of Filipino artistry and community in New England and beyond. It advocates increasing awareness of and sharing the Filipino culture with the community to champion camaraderie and cultural understanding. Through public performances and programming, the work seeks to amplify the social impact of arts with the larger goal of transforming the city into a lively and resilient place with the arts at its core.

In addition, the work also raises questions regarding social issues such as racial injustice and anti-Asian-American hate crimes. The public art critiques American imperialism and the occupation of U.S. forces in the Philippines. “The Hiker” memorial statue by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson honors American soldiers who fought Spain, Cuba, the Philippines, and more. However, the statue obscures the imperialistic power of the U.S against Filipinos and the Philippines itself. The United States assumed sovereignty of the Philippines following the defeat of Spain in the Spanish-American War, but it was not mentioned to Filipinos that Spain sold the Philippines to the U.S. for 20 million dollars. During the American occupation, at least 200,000 Filipinos lost their lives to famine and disease. The estimates have ranged to as high as a million Filipino civilians. As heroic as the statue might represent, it conveniently covers up the massacre that happened during the Philippine-American War.

The wrapping of The Hiker with the banig is an act of resistance to the traumatic past and painful reminders of American colonization and imperialism. It is a humble act of refusal to continue the discrimination against Filipino, Filipino-Americans, and the whole minority and marginalized communities in general. Binding the statue that glorifies imperialism is to destabilize White supremacy culture and exercise decolonization around memorial statues or monuments. This temporary public art display highlights the role of contemporary artists to raise questions around the shifting roles, meanings, narratives, and validity of memorial statues or monuments. 

The public display of banig or traditional Filipino mat commemorates Filipino identity, community, history, artmaking, and labor across the United States. The wrapping of the statue symbolizes the resilience and strength of BIPOC communities, and the retention of their identities, histories, and culture despite colonialist practices.

​

Activation:

Araw ng Kalayaan is when Filipinos around the world honor the 1898 declaration of independence from Spain. On June 12, 2022, Filipinos in Rhode Island will celebrate Araw ng Kalayaan. As part of the celebration, the site and monument will be activated by programming, communal activities, and performances of Filipino-Americans in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Dance performances of Filipino folk dances such as lawiswis kawayan, banga, and tinikling are performed during the PVD Fest (June 11, 2022).

During the festival, community weaving of bilao (woven tray), and parol (Christmas lantern) are available for the public to learn and make their own. Booths that showcase Filipino cultural objects, textiles, and zines are also be exhibited. Programming will also be continued on the event’s website and social media to engage more audiences outside Providence and document the historical moment. 

​

The banig artwork:

The artwork was made possible by a grant from St. Botolph Club Foundation’s Mary Shannon Award for Public Art. The process and materials of the work center recycling and sustainability. The 50 feet long mat is made of recycled plastics, tarps, and canvases sourced around Providence. The materials are gathered, cleaned, stripped, wove, designed, and sewed by the artist in 1 year. 

​

​

Bibliography:

Guillermo, Emil. “Racist Monuments Must Go, Including The Hiker.” INQUIRER.net USA, 14 June 2020,

        https://usa.inquirer.net/55684/racist-monuments-must-go-including-the-hiker. 

“Tompkinsville Park.” Tompkinsville Park Monuments - The Hiker : NYC Parks,

         https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tompkinsville-park/monuments/724.