Artwork by Bulan Embong | Featured in Issue 02 - A Council of Stars
Batakagan ya din Dwa ay Mankabsat (Batakagan and the Two Brothers) by Bulan Embong
Batakagan ya din Dwa ay Mankabsat (Batakagan and the Two Brothers) is a digital artwork illustrating Batakagan (the planet Venus or the Morning Star) appearing before two brothers. Batakagan is depicted as a topless woman wearing a traditional Kankana-ey skirt. Her hair looks like purple and yellow nebulae as it disappears into the dark blue sky. As sea waves crash, the two brothers clasp their hands in prayer, looking up to Batakagan. Batakagan is mentioned in several Kankana-ey prayers. One of these prayers tells the story of two brothers who travel to the river to catch fish, but grow very weak and are unable to leave the stream. Batakagan saves them from drowning and teaches them the libation included in the prayer.
Bulan Embong, also known as Mankadavi, is an Indigenous Filipino artist with Benguet Igorot roots, currently residing in Alberta, Canada (Treaty 6). Igorot folklore and culture are common themes in Embong’s work, along with vibrant colours and detailed textiles. In addition to magazine publications, Embong has done work for the Philippine Village Historical Site in Clayton, Missouri.
