The Laguna Copperplate Inscription (the earliest known written document found in what is now the Philippines): the Commander-in-Chief of the Kingdom of Tondo, as represented by the Honourable Jayadewa, Lord Minister of Pailah, pardons from all debt the Honourable Namwaran and his relations.

The Laguna Copperplate Inscription: A Glimpse into Pre-Colonial Philippine History

The Laguna Copperplate Inscription (LCI), known in Tagalog as Inskripsyon sa Binatbat na Tanso ng Laguna—literally meaning 'Inscription on Carved Bronze/Copper of Laguna'—stands as one of the most profoundly significant artifacts in Philippine history. This ancient document, meticulously inscribed on a copper plate, is not merely a historical relic; it is an official legal instrument, specifically an acquittance or a release from debt, precisely dated to the Shaka year 822. This corresponds to the Gregorian calendar year A.D. 900, making it the earliest known calendar-dated written document ever discovered within the Philippine archipelago. Its existence has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of the complexity and sophistication of pre-colonial Philippine societies.

Discovery and Initial Analysis

The serendipitous discovery of the Laguna Copperplate Inscription occurred in 1989. A laborer, engaged in dredging activities near the mouth of the Lumbang River in Wawa, Lumban, Laguna province, in the Philippines, unearthed the metal plate. Initially unaware of its immense historical value, the plate eventually made its way into academic hands. It was the crucial work of Antoon Postma, a distinguished Dutch anthropologist and an expert in ancient Philippine scripts, particularly the Hanunó'o script, that brought the LCI's true significance to light. Postma undertook the challenging task of translating the inscription in 1991, a monumental effort that unlocked centuries of forgotten history.

The Script, Language, and Regional Influences

The inscription itself is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of early Southeast Asia. It was penned in Old Malay, a language that served as a lingua franca for trade and communication across Maritime Southeast Asia for centuries. The script used is Kawi, an ancient Javanese script that was widely adopted throughout the region, including parts of Sumatra, Java, Bali, and the Philippines. The presence of Kawi, alongside notable influences from Sanskrit and Old Javanese within the text, strongly indicates extensive cultural, religious, and linguistic exchange networks. This suggests that the early Philippine polities were not isolated but were deeply integrated into the broader regional flow of ideas and commerce, particularly with powerful contemporary kingdoms like the Medang Kingdom in Java.

Content and Profound Historical Implications

At its heart, the Laguna Copperplate Inscription documents a formal declaration of release from a considerable debt in gold. This acquittance was issued to a woman named Dayang Angkatan and her children, who were the descendants of a person named Namwaran. The document specifies that this debt, along with all its associated penalties, was cleared by the chief of Tondo, a prominent Tagalog city-state, through the intercession of other regional leaders. Beyond this specific transaction, the LCI is invaluable for its enumeration of several surrounding states and their leaders as of A.D. 900, with the city-state of Tondo being explicitly mentioned.

For historians, the inscription offers irrefutable evidence of several critical aspects of pre-colonial Philippine life:

The LCI thus serves as a powerful reminder that Philippine history did not begin with the arrival of European colonizers but boasts a vibrant, literate, and interconnected past dating back over a millennium.

FAQs About the Laguna Copperplate Inscription

What exactly is the Laguna Copperplate Inscription?
It is an ancient official document inscribed on a copper plate, dated to A.D. 900. It functions as an acquittance, formally releasing individuals from a debt.
When and where was it discovered?
It was discovered in 1989 by a laborer near the mouth of the Lumbang River in Wawa, Lumban, Laguna province, Philippines.
Why is it considered so important?
It is the earliest known calendar-dated document found in the Philippines, proving the existence of writing, sophisticated legal systems, and organized societies in the archipelago over a thousand years ago, significantly predating the arrival of the Spanish.
What language and script were used for the inscription?
The inscription is written in Old Malay using the Kawi script, with notable influences from Sanskrit and Old Javanese.
What is the main content of the inscription?
It primarily documents the formal release of a woman named Dayang Angkatan and her children from a debt in gold by the chief of Tondo, with the approval of other regional leaders. It also names several surrounding polities.
Who translated the Laguna Copperplate Inscription?
The text was first successfully translated in 1991 by Antoon Postma, a Dutch anthropologist and an expert in ancient Philippine scripts.
Where can the Laguna Copperplate Inscription be seen today?
The original Laguna Copperplate Inscription is currently housed and preserved at the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila, where it is a centerpiece of their archaeological exhibits.