Taka (paper mache)

Taka (taká) refers to papier-mâché made using carved wooden sculpture used as a mold.

The traditional way of painting a taka is to use primary colors, add simple flower motifs and use repetitive lines and shapes.

[1] Common and traditional subjects of taka include the manok, kabayo, kalabaw, dalaga (chicken, horse, carabao, maiden) which is made primarily for local use.

Due to exposure and migration of Paete residents to Manila and abroad, European-influenced papier-mâché toys began to be made for export to other countries, such as Germany.

[1] In January 2022, a family from Paete curated and launched a do-it-yourself papier-mâché workshop kit, which contains everything that one needs to make a taka, including the molde (takaan), dyaryo, paste mix, a cutter knife, as-is, a paint set, and a step-by-step instruction guide.