The Basi Revolt Paintings - National Cultural Treasures

The Basi Revolt Paintings - National Cultural Treasures

In 1807, Ilocano folk from Piddig, Badoc and other northern Ilocos towns, marched southward towards the provincial capital of Vigan to protest against a Spanish-imposed ban on the private manufacture of basi, the traditional sugarcane wine. The group, led by Pedro Mateo and Saralogo Ambaristo, were met at Bantaoay river in San Ildefonso by a Spanish-led army, consisting of the military, natives and mestizos, ready to quell the uprising. Thus ensued a battle that lasted a day and ended in victory for the colonial forces.

This was the Basi Revolt of 1807.

And in 1821, the series of fourteen oil paintings known as the Basi Revolt paintings which depicted the historical event, was completed by Esteban Villanueva.

In recognition of their exceptional importance and outstanding significance to the nation, particularly Philippine art history, the fourteen paintings of The Basi Revolt were declared by the National Museum of the Philippines as National Cultural Treasures in 2009.

On the historic artworks’ bicentennial anniversary this 2021, the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) and Victory Liner, Inc. (VLI) have partnered to produce several features about the Basi Revolt paintings under the #KnowYourNorth series.