One of the most renowned #Diwatas of the #Visayas is #MariaKakaw. #FilipinoLegend has it that she is the #MountKanlaonGuardianSpirit in #NegrosIsland and #NatureGuardianSpirit even in Sugbo, where her golden ship has been sighted.

•She is depicted as a beautiful woman with long, flowing hair, often seen wearing traditional #Visayan attire adorned with gold and pearls.
•She is believed to be the protector of nature, especially the forests and mountains.
•She is a symbol of the deep connection between the people of the #Visayas and their natural surroundings, embodying the region’s rich cultural heritage and #reverencefortheland.

According to #filipinofolklore, Maria Kakaw is generous to those who respect and care for the environment but can also be vengeful towards those who harm it.

Additionally, Mount Kanlaon is closely linked to rituals performed by #babaylans, #traditionalfilipinohealers and #filipinospiritualists in #IndigenousFilipino cultures. These rituals, conducted to commune with spirits and deities, often take place at Mount Kanlaon, considered a #sacredsite due to its association with the mythical figure Maria Kakaw. Babaylans perform ceremonies on the mountain for healing, protection, and invoking blessings from ancestral spirits, reflecting the deep reverence indigenous communities have held for Mount Kanlaon throughout history.

(Mount Kanlaon is an active stratovolcano and is the highest peak in the Visayas, standing at approximately 2,465 meters (8,087 feet) above sea level. It is situated within the boundaries of the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, specifically in the northern part of Negros Island. It is known for its scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance in #Visayanfolklore, with #legends often revolving around the guardian spirit associated with the mountain.)

Here’s to our clay sculpture to remember and honor her in our hearts and in our #cacaoceremonies #filipinoritwals at the @luibhealthcenter #thehouseofmythsandlegends. Enjoyed making this, just a few more fine tuning of details..