Divine Sarimanok

Contemporary Philippine Arts from The Region
Home-Based Learning #3
Sarimanok of Abdulmari Imao

Divinaly A. Samonte General Mariano Alvarez Technical High School GMA CAVITE
I choose Sarimanok art because it’s unique and have an attractive design,
colorful and the secret behind it or the stories derived from it. The story behind the
Sarimanok that the Maranao people believe is mysterious and full of magic. I am
curious about the story of sarimanok, that’s why I want to inform my fellow students
that the story behind Sarimanok is very mysterious.
1
Alchetron.com. “Abdulmari Imao (Filipino Sculptor) ~ Bio Wiki | Photos | Videos,” November 11, 2022.
https://alchetron.com/Abdulmari-Imao.
2
Abdulmari Imao (1936 – 2014) was a renowned Filipino artist, sculptor, and
Islamic art scholar. He was born in Sulu, a province in the Southern Philippines
known for it’s rich Islamic culture. Imao’s artistry was heavily influenced by his
Muslim faith and his study of traditional Islamic art. His works often feature intricate
patterns and designs, as well as calligraphy, that reflect the Islamic aesthetic. Some
of Imao’s notable works include the sculpture “Kasaysayan ng Lahi” at the Philippine
International convention center in Manila, which depicts the country’s history and
cultural heritage, and the “Golden Tara” statue at the Ayala Museum in Makati City,
which is a tribute to pre-colonial Philippine culture. Imao was also a recipient of
several awards and recognition for his sculpture in 2006.
2
Salcedo Auctions. (n.d.). https://salcedoauctions.com/item/9824
Styles and Techniques of Mr. Abdulmari Imao
Abdulmari Imao is known for using the Okir, Sarimanok and the Naga as
motifs in his artworks and is credited for popularizing the motifs to the filipino national
consciousness. Imao draws inspiration from Tausug and Maranao art. Imao’s Islamic
faith is also a source of inspiration in his art as evidenced in his sculptures
composed of elements of Allah’s name through Arabic calligraphy.3
3
https://rickyfrancisco.wordpress.com/tag/abdulmari-asia-imao/
MATERIALS
Brass – Abdulmari Imao created a brass Sarimanok sculpture, which is

displayed at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This sculpture is about 12 feet
high and represents the artist’s interpretation of the mythical bird.
Wood – Abdulmari Imao also created Sarimanok sculptures using wood. He

used a variety of woods, including narra, molave, and kamagong. These sculptures
were often intricately carved and painted in bright colors.
Bronze – Abdulmari Imao created a bronze Sarimanok sculpture, which was

installed at the entrance of the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City. This
sculpture is about 7 feet tall and features the mythical bird with its wings spread
wide.
Glass – Abdulmari Imao also created Sarimanok artworks using glass. He

used a technique called glass etching to create intricate designs on glass surfaces.
These Sarimanok artworks were often displayed in public spaces, such as hotels
and airports.
Metal – Abdulmari Imao created Sarimanok artworks using various types of

metal, including aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. These artworks were often
displayed in outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens.4
Overall, Abdulmari Imao’s Sarimanok artworks were created using a variety of

materials, each with its unique qualities and characteristics.
4
Cultural Center of the Philippines. (n.d.). Abdulmari Imao. Retrieved from
https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/about-the-ccp/arts-center/visual-arts-and-museum-division/abdulmari-imao/
How Mr. Abdulmari Imao created Sarimanok
Abdulmari Imao, a Filipino artist, created the sarimanok as a contemporary

interpretation of the traditional mythical bird from Maranao mythology. The Maranaos
are an indigenous people from the Southern Philippines who have a rich cultural
heritage.
To create his version of the sarimanok, Imao combined his knowledge of

traditional Maranao art with his own artistic vision. He used materials such as brass,
bronze, and wood to create the bird’s intricate and ornate design. Imao also
incorporated elements of Islamic calligraphy and geometric patterns into his work,
reflecting the influence of the Muslim culture in the Philippines.
Imao’s sarimanok sculptures are characterized by their vibrant colors and

detailed craftsmanship. The bird is depicted with a long, flowing tail and intricate
feather patterns, often perched on a stand or holding a smaller bird in its beak.
Imao’s sarimanok is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Maranao people,
and a testament to the artist’s skill and creativity.
5
Abdulmari Imao: The Man Behind the Sarimanok. Philippine Primer. Retrieved from
https://primer.com.ph/art/2021/06/17/abdulmari-imao-the-man-behind-the-sarimanok/
Conclusion
It is deeply rooted in Philippine mythology and culture. The Sarimanok is a

mythical bird in Maranao mythology, and Imao incorporated this symbol into his art to
celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines.The use of brass
and other metal materials. Imao was known for his expertise in brass sculpture, and
he incorporated this medium into his Sarimanok art. His pieces often feature intricate
details and textures, and the use of brass gives his art a distinct shine and
durability.The fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. Imao’s Sarimanok art
combines traditional Maranao motifs with modern design elements, resulting in a
unique style that is both timeless and contemporary.The social and political
messages embedded in his art. Imao was a passionate advocate for peace and
social justice, and his Sarimanok art often conveys powerful messages related to
these issues. For example, some of his pieces depict the Sarimanok as a symbol of
hope and resilience in the face of adversity.Overall, the Sarimanok art of Abdulmari
Imao stands out among contemporary art forms because of its unique blend of
tradition and modernity, its cultural significance, and its ability to convey important
social and political messages.
6
https://pinoy-culture.tumblr.com/post/25812162499/the-sarimanok-is-a-legendary-bird-of-the-maranao
REFERENCES
Abdulmari Imao (Filipino Sculptor) ~ Bio Wiki | Photos | Videos. (2022, November 11).
Alchetron.com. https://alchetron.com/Abdulmari-Imao
P. (2012, June 24). pinoy-culture. Tumblr.
https://pinoy-culture.tumblr.com/post/25812162499/the-sarimanok-is-a-legendary-
bird-of-the-maranao
R. (2015, April 17). Abdulmari Asia Imao – Misadventures in Art. Misadventures in Art.
https://rickyfrancisco.wordpress.com/tag/abdulmari-asia-imao
Salcedo Auctions. (n.d.). https://salcedoauctions.com/item/9824

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Contemporary Philippine Arts from The Region

Sarimanok of Abdulmari Imao

Brass – Abdulmari Imao created a brass Sarimanok sculpture, which is

Wood – Abdulmari Imao also created Sarimanok sculptures using wood. He

Bronze – Abdulmari Imao created a bronze Sarimanok sculpture, which was

Glass – Abdulmari Imao also created Sarimanok artworks using glass. He

Metal – Abdulmari Imao created Sarimanok artworks using various types of

Overall, Abdulmari Imao’s Sarimanok artworks were created using a variety of

Abdulmari Imao, a Filipino artist, created the sarimanok as a contemporary

To create his version of the sarimanok, Imao combined his knowledge of

Imao’s sarimanok sculptures are characterized by their vibrant colors and

It is deeply rooted in Philippine mythology and culture. The Sarimanok is a

P. (2012, June 24). pinoy-culture. Tumblr.

Salcedo Auctions. (n.d.). https://salcedoauctions.com/item/9824

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