Heritage books, exhibit on ancient cannons and bells to be launched

The two volumes comprising the book “Of War and Peace: Lantakas and Bells in Search of Foundries in the Philippines” will be launched March 4, 5 p.m., at the Marble Hall, Museum of the People (former Department of Finance building), National Museum, Finance Road, Manila.

The two books are published by the UST Publishing House.

“Part One, Lantaka: From 16th to 19th Centuries,” by William-Alain Miailhe de Burgh and Fe B. Mangahas, traces the provenance, development, and use of the lantaka, the native Filipino cannon.

“Part Two, Bagting: The Valuation of Time and Memory in Spanish Colonial Philippines,”  by Regalado Trota Jose, is a historical study and survey of Spanish church bells throughout the archipelago.

Although they focus on different topics, each volume is one-half of a collaborative effort to determine the location of foundries in the Philippines and investigate any implication that they may have on Philippine history and culture.

An exhibit of various lantakas and church bells mounted by the National Museum will accompany the launch.