A roof is a roof, but for the Tausug traditional Bay Sinug, it is so much more. It is an expression via architecture, the roof not merely serving as protection from heat or rain. The Bay Sinug roof features horn-shaped finials called Tadjuk Pasung, an accent losing prominence in favor of the more modern galvanized roofing. According to some, the tadjuk pasung represents either the flight of bird or the shape of dragon, whichever is applicable.
The Bay Sinug stands over the sea (the words literally meaning ‘house of the sea). It has nine posts, each post corresponding to each of the major parts of the human body. At the center of the home is the navel of the house.
The Bay Sinug has made its way into modern design exhibits recently, proving that throughout the history of Philippine architecture are a multitude of ideas that can be sources of inspiration for designers.
References:
By, -, and Adobo Magazine. “PH Pavilion Participants Address the Question: How Do Cities Shape Our Lives?” adobo Magazine Online, March 6, 2019. https://www.adobomagazine.com/philippine-news/ph-pavilion-participants-address-the-question-how-do-cities-shape-our-lives/.
“The Filipino House – An Endangered Architectural Specie.” The World According To The Boss From Hell, January 28, 2012. https://jdsmanila.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/the-filipino-house-an-endangered-architectural-specie/.
“PUP-CAFA BS Interior Design Graduating Class of 2017 Revisits the Home of Philippine Tribes.” InqPOP! Accessed August 6, 2020. https://pop.inquirer.net/32140/pup-cafa-bs-interior-design-graduating-class-2017-revisits-home-philippine-tribes/tausug.
“Tausug Bay Sinug or Traditional House on Stilts.” Tausug Bay Sinug or traditional house on… – Filipinas Nostalgia. Accessed August 6, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/filipinasnostalgia/photos/a.1610935669124406/1819465171604787/?type=3.