The Basi Revolt And the Great Comet




The Basi revolt happened when the Spanish colonial government implemented a monopoly on the Ilocano's favorite liquor by banning private production -- September 1807. Proper documentation of the event may well be the 14 frames painted by Ilocano artist Esteban P. Villanueva, the most interesting of which is the depiction of the great comet of 1807 (C/1807 R1) in the Philippine sky. 

 I always say it is our version of the famous Bayeux Tapestry, the medieval portrayal of the Battle of Hastings (1066) whereby the very first image of the appearance of Halley's comet was presented -- the comet being the bringer of evil omen.

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