Post by 79thfoot on Apr 26, 2008 3:51:10 GMT -5
I've started this thread for the purpose of discussing the Filipino sailors known colloquially as 'the Manilamen'.
Since our earliest myths we Filipinos have been connected to the sea, drawn to it as a child is drawn to its mother even after the cutting of the umbilical cord. Legends such as Lam-Ang and the great fish, the tales of settlers from far away lands populating the islands and ultimately the Spanish colonial conquest starting with circumnavigator Magellan thru the galleon trade era, La Naval de Manila, up to the defeat of Manila Bay in 1898, all the way to the modern Philippine Navy and Marines, have shown the importance of the sea for the Filipino.
Filipinos have long been seamen and quite a bunch of seamen they have been. Full of swagger and virility their exploits became forgotten legends, told mainly through oral histories and half-mythic tales, of the men who came from Manila - the Manilamen.
Forced by Spanish colonial rule to not only build but to crew and man the galleons, many native 'indios' (for as yet they were not being referred to as 'Filipinos') saw many a foreign land as they served year after year before the mast. Some of America's early colonists were transplanted Filipino sailors, many of whom jumped ship and settled down at their various destinations.
In 1762, after the close of the Seven Years War, the French city of Nouvelle Orleans passed into the hands of Spain. Shortly thereafter, as Spanish ships docked in their newly acquired city, Manilamen were finding their way ashore, leaving Spanish servitude behind and making a life for themselves in the New World.
They lived in the swamps, retaining their old sailor's slops but adapting to the fashions and food of local indian tribes even as they would keep items from their far away island birthplace. They reputedly formed an alliance with the piratical Laffitte brothers who, as one of America's earliest 'organized crime syndicates' were happy to trade with these swamp dwelling 'Tagalos' and to sample their unique cuisine.
In 1815, as war clouds finally burst over the crescent city, the Manilamen were among those to answer their new homeland's call to arms. Fighting alongside the red-shirted Baratarian pirates of Laffitte's command, they helped drive back the British invasion army.
For my first offering, here is my impression of a 'Tagalo' Manilaman from the Battle of New Orleans. He retains some items of sailor dress as well as some clothes from home and looted items. He has lost no time in acquiring a Scottish highland jacket from the hapless 93rd highlanders.
I was quite fortunate to have met and actually seen and heard the Baratarian gun crew in action in New Orleans and I've got a standing invitation for January 8th - the Chalmette/New Orleans battle reenactment - as one of the legendary Manilamen.
There's very little actually known about them so there is a lot of room for speculation as to the exact costumes - the red shirt is there because local oral history in poem form talks about the Baratarians in red shirts as a distinguishing mark. The floral waistcoat is old and hard worn while the sailor's breeches are worn without stockings. To warm himself, this enterprising Manilaman has stolen a Highland jacket and feathered bonnet - something to show off to the ladies of Bourbon street for kisses and more.
(if this should go anywhere else mods, please feel free to transfer)
Salutes,
Tom
Since our earliest myths we Filipinos have been connected to the sea, drawn to it as a child is drawn to its mother even after the cutting of the umbilical cord. Legends such as Lam-Ang and the great fish, the tales of settlers from far away lands populating the islands and ultimately the Spanish colonial conquest starting with circumnavigator Magellan thru the galleon trade era, La Naval de Manila, up to the defeat of Manila Bay in 1898, all the way to the modern Philippine Navy and Marines, have shown the importance of the sea for the Filipino.
Filipinos have long been seamen and quite a bunch of seamen they have been. Full of swagger and virility their exploits became forgotten legends, told mainly through oral histories and half-mythic tales, of the men who came from Manila - the Manilamen.
Forced by Spanish colonial rule to not only build but to crew and man the galleons, many native 'indios' (for as yet they were not being referred to as 'Filipinos') saw many a foreign land as they served year after year before the mast. Some of America's early colonists were transplanted Filipino sailors, many of whom jumped ship and settled down at their various destinations.
In 1762, after the close of the Seven Years War, the French city of Nouvelle Orleans passed into the hands of Spain. Shortly thereafter, as Spanish ships docked in their newly acquired city, Manilamen were finding their way ashore, leaving Spanish servitude behind and making a life for themselves in the New World.
They lived in the swamps, retaining their old sailor's slops but adapting to the fashions and food of local indian tribes even as they would keep items from their far away island birthplace. They reputedly formed an alliance with the piratical Laffitte brothers who, as one of America's earliest 'organized crime syndicates' were happy to trade with these swamp dwelling 'Tagalos' and to sample their unique cuisine.
In 1815, as war clouds finally burst over the crescent city, the Manilamen were among those to answer their new homeland's call to arms. Fighting alongside the red-shirted Baratarian pirates of Laffitte's command, they helped drive back the British invasion army.
For my first offering, here is my impression of a 'Tagalo' Manilaman from the Battle of New Orleans. He retains some items of sailor dress as well as some clothes from home and looted items. He has lost no time in acquiring a Scottish highland jacket from the hapless 93rd highlanders.
I was quite fortunate to have met and actually seen and heard the Baratarian gun crew in action in New Orleans and I've got a standing invitation for January 8th - the Chalmette/New Orleans battle reenactment - as one of the legendary Manilamen.
There's very little actually known about them so there is a lot of room for speculation as to the exact costumes - the red shirt is there because local oral history in poem form talks about the Baratarians in red shirts as a distinguishing mark. The floral waistcoat is old and hard worn while the sailor's breeches are worn without stockings. To warm himself, this enterprising Manilaman has stolen a Highland jacket and feathered bonnet - something to show off to the ladies of Bourbon street for kisses and more.
(if this should go anywhere else mods, please feel free to transfer)
Salutes,
Tom