Lion's Head (Kennon Road)

Coordinates: 16°22′03″N 120°36′21″E / 16.367556°N 120.605899°E / 16.367556; 120.605899

Lion's Head

Tourists posting in front of the Lion's Head
Location Kennon Road, Baguio, Philippines
Designer Reynaldo Lopez Nanyac
Material Limestone
Height 40 ft (12 m)
Beginning date 1968
Opening date 1972
Dedicated to Lions Club
The two Lion's Heads along Kennon Road in the Philippines. In front right is the original naturally shaped Lion's Head. In the background, to the left, is the man-made and painted Lion's Head.

The Lion's Head is a statue along Kennon Road, a major highway in Luzon, Philippines that leads to the city of Baguio. Located in Camp 6, the Lion's Head measures 40 ft (12 m) in height.[1][2] It was conceptualized by the Lions Club members of Baguio, during the term of Luis Lardizabal as mayor of Baguio from 1969 to 1970 and as the club's president,[3] to become the club's symbol or imprint in the area. Prior to the artistic sculpting, the limestone was prepared by a group of engineers and miners, then the "actual artistic carving of the façade" was rendered by Reynaldo Lopez Nanyac, an Ifugao artist and woodcarver from the Cordillera Administrative Region. The construction project began in 1968 but was interrupted.[3] The project was continued in 1971 by another Lions Club president, Robert Webber,[3] and was unveiled in 1972.[4]

Forerunners

The forerunner of the man-made Lion's Head was a "large rock" described to be "naturally shaped like a lion", which prior to 1972 was the landmark that tourists observe along Kennon Road towards Baguio City.[5] However, according to the article Lion's Head in Baguio City - Philippines, the current Lion's Head landmark was also a limestone naturally shaped like a "male lion, with a mane".[3]

Restoration

It has undergone several coloration changes before restoring it to acquiring its traditional gold and black color. It was at some points in time painted white and brown, or yellow. It had also undergone restoration after being damaged by vandalism and by the earthquake in Northern Luzon in 1990.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Kennon Road Pushed as Heritage Site Dexter A. See, Manila Bulletin. 29 September 2010. Quote: "Part of the attraction along Kennon Road is the scenic mountain ranges on one side and the waters of the Bued River on another side coupled with the presence of the famous lion’s head at the middle of the zigzag portion of the road." (emphasis added)
  2. ↑ Killer lap makes Guevarra Tour champ Joey Villar, The Philippine Star. Updated 19 April 2009. Quote: "Baler Ravina (21) pedals past the famous Lion’s Head along Kennon Road ..." (emphasis added)
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Lion's Head in Baguio City - Philippines". Summer Capital of the Philippines. Baguio Board. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  4. ↑ "Lion's Head". The City of Baguio, Landmarks and Scenic Sites. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  5. ↑ "Lion's Head: Will the real lion please stand up?". GoBaguio! Your Complete Guide to Baguio City, Philippines. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
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