SAGEL CAVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION
04/23/2008
SAGEL CAVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION :: Sagel Cave, Sitio Sagel, Pinol, Maitum, Sarangani Province
15-20 April 2008
The preliminary findings of our archaeological investigation indicate that Sagel Cave is an archaeological site based on artifacts recovered from a 1X2 meter trench excavation. The archaeological excavation mainly yielded non-anthropomorphic pottery fragments and bones (both human and animal), which indicates that Sagel cave was used as a burial ground in prehistory. Sagel cave is possibly contemporaneous with Ayub Cave but further analysis of associated materials and relevant data is required to confirm this.
A significant observation from the investigation is the absence of anthropomorphic pottery from the archaeological excavation. This puts in question the context of the anthropomorphic pottery recovered from the present cave surface. However, considering that almost half of Sagel cave has been removed due to quarrying operations in the area, the absence (or presence) of anthropomorphic pottery from Sagel is not conclusively established. Regardless, the archaeological investigation at Sagel indicates burial practices differed between ancient people who used Sagel and Ayub caves. Further studies are necessary to determine whether such differences indicate the presence of different cultural groups in the vicinity or represent status (e.g., social, political, economic) among Metal Age societies in the Pinol area.
Studies of Metal Age societies in Mindanao are very limited and the Pinol area of Sarangani Province is very significant in providing scientific data on this subject. It is recommended that the Pinol area (both caves and open areas) be protected from earth moving activities including quarrying, treasure hunting, and other similar activities. If however, permits to quarry in the area have been granted, monitoring of such activities are necessary to prevent further destruction of existing archaeological sites in the area. There is great potential for developing cultural tourism in the area that can economically benefit communities residing in the vicinities. As such, a program for conservation/protection, archaeological exploration and excavation of sites in the Pinol area is necessary.
National Museum of the Philippines
Nida T. Cuevas, Museum Researcher II, Archaeology Division
Alexandra de Leon, Museum Researcher I, Archaeology Division
Eduardo Bersamira, Museum Researcher I, Archaeology Division
Jonathan Jacar, Museum Technician II, Archaeology Division
Ed Sarmiento, Museum Researcher I, Cultural Properties Division
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