Pinol Cave

Pinol Cave is a limestone cave located in Barangay Pinol, Maitum, Sarangani Province, Mindanao, Philippines. It is nationally significant as the discovery site of the Maitum Anthropomorphic Pottery, secondary burial jars with human-like figures dating to the Metal Age (around 5 BC to AD 225). Declared a National Cultural Treasure, the cave is an important archaeological site that provides evidence of early burial practices and pottery traditions in the Philippines.

Visitors can expect a protected limestone cave in a forested hillside setting in Barangay Pinol. The cave is primarily an archaeological site rather than a developed show cave. Access is restricted and typically requires prior permission and a local guide. Visitors can view the cave entrance, limestone formations and the surrounding landscape, and learn about the archaeological context where anthropomorphic burial jars were excavated. Interior access may be limited to protect preserved deposits.

Pinol Cave gained national importance in 1991 when archaeologists from the National Museum of the Philippines excavated anthropomorphic secondary burial jars. The Maitum Jars are dated to the Metal Age, approximately 5 BC to AD 225, and represent a distinct burial tradition where secondary remains were placed in earthenware vessels topped with human figures. The find is considered a significant contribution to understanding early Philippine prehistory.

The cave and its associated pottery were declared a National Cultural Treasure. The Maitum Anthropomorphic Pottery is regarded as unique in the Philippines and Southeast Asia for its detailed human representations, reflecting early beliefs, social practices and artistic skills related to death and ancestor veneration.