The Srivijaya Empire, which existed from the 7th to the 13th century, was a powerful maritime kingdom that dominated Southeast Asia. Its influence can be found in the cultures and traditions of many regions, including the Visayas in the Philippines. There is compelling evidence to suggest that the Visayan culture was heavily influenced by Srivijaya, including the discovery of gold ornaments, linguistic connections, cultural parallels, religious practices, artifacts, and historical accounts.
One of the most significant pieces of evidence of Srivijaya influence in the Visayas is the discovery of lingling-o, gold ornaments shaped like a crescent moon or a human ear. The ornaments, found in various archaeological sites in the Visayas region, resemble those found in the Srivijaya Empire. The lingling-o was a symbol of status and wealth in Srivijaya, and its discovery in the Visayas suggests possible trade or cultural exchange between the two regions.
There are also linguistic connections between the Visayan language and Malay, which was the lingua franca of Srivijaya. The Visayan word "bayan," meaning town or city, is similar to the Malay word "bandar." Similarly, the Visayan word "buyo," meaning betel nut, is similar to the Malay word "buah." These similarities suggest a possible influence of the Srivijaya Empire on the Visayan language.
Cultural parallels between Srivijaya and the Visayas are also evident. The Visayan creation myth of the first man and woman bears some similarities to the Hindu-Buddhist creation myth of Srivijaya. The Visayan myth tells the story of the first man and woman who emerged from a bamboo stalk, while the Srivijaya myth tells the story of the first man who emerged from the lotus flower. These similarities suggest a possible influence of Srivijaya on Visayan culture and beliefs.
Religious practices are also similar between Srivijaya and the Visayas. The "pukpuklo" ritual, which involves offering food to ancestral spirits and reciting prayers, is similar to the "tarpana" ritual of Srivijaya, which also involves offering food to ancestors. The similarities between these two rituals suggest a possible influence of Srivijaya on Visayan culture and religious practices.
Archaeological evidence also provides clues to the influence of Srivijaya on the Visayas. Ceramics, beads, and jewelry found in some archaeological sites in the Visayas are similar to those found in Srivijaya. These artifacts suggest a possible trade relationship between the two regions and a possible influence of Srivijaya on Visayan art and craftsmanship.
Finally, historical accounts provide evidence of a connection between Srivijaya and the Visayas. The Laguna Copperplate Inscription, a document discovered in the Philippines that dates back to 900 CE, mentions the "Sribuza," believed to be a reference to Srivijaya. The inscription provides evidence of a diplomatic relationship between Srivijaya and the Visayas.
In conclusion, the evidence of Srivijaya influence on the Visayan culture in the Philippines is significant and varied. The discovery of lingling-o, linguistic connections, cultural parallels, religious practices, artifacts, and historical accounts all point to a connection between Srivijaya and the Visayas. This connection is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Srivijaya Empire and its influence on Southeast Asia.
References:
- Hoshino, T. (1992). The linguistic connections between the Philippine Archipelago and the Malay Peninsula. Kyoto University Research Information Repository.
- Leupp, G. P. (2003). Interracial intimacy in Japan: Western men and Japanese women, 1543-1900. A&C Black.
- Miksic, J. N. (2013). Ancient Southeast Asia. Routledge.
- Santos, H. (2014). The Srivijayan Expansion and its Impact on the Philippines. Historical Research International Journal, 2(4), 76-81.
- Wolters, O. W. (1999). Early Indonesian commerce: A study of the origins of Srivijaya. Cornell University Press.
