MINIATURES

  The photo is labeled "Menuisiers chinois," Manille, Philippines, 1890. Presented in French, it features Chinese carpenters or woodworkers in Manila during the 1890s. Similar photos of Chinese during this period often depict them as ambulant sellers, food vendors, or small merchants. However, some, like this photo, highlight them as skilled workers. Of Encik Viejo and Peranakan    Most Chinese in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, trace their ancestry to the southern province of Fujian, the majority of whom speak the Hokkien dialect. The region’s proximity to the sea made migration an appealing option for its poor inhabitants, who sought better opportunities in the southern seas. Their resilience and hard work propelled many to success, with some rising to become prominent tycoons in the lands they settled. However, it was their adaptability that truly elevated them. The Chinese embraced many cultural and social norms of their adopted countries while blending th...

  A Different Image of Saint Sebastian In the Catholic Church, from its earliest centuries of establishment and growth in the West centered in Rome, the creation of icons (images) of saints became a significant part of the identity and veneration of the first faithful. One of the most notable examples of such iconic representation is the image of Saint Sebastian—the centurion tied to a tree, stripped of his armor, and pierced with arrows. This image has remained the primary representation of the saint for devotees, even up to the present day. However, this iconic representation also becomes limited. It highlights a specific aspect of Saint Sebastian’s life—his martyrdom—but often overlooks other important aspects, such as his efforts in spreading Christ’s gospel. The centrality of his image as a martyr has led to a narrower understanding of his entire persona. Saint Sebastian in Different Cultures In other parts of the world, such as Sri Lanka and Malta, alternative depictions of S...