Carbon Dating the Image of Apo Santo Cristo de Lubao: From Oral History to Scientific Inquiry

Abstract

Oral history is important in preserving significant milestones in humanexperience. This scientific research was conducted to identify the age of the holyCrucifix using radiocarbon dating method. Specifically, it aims to carry out thestudy by identifying the age of the sacred Cross of the Crucified Image of Christthrough radiocarbon dating procedures, and to provide scientific information tothe people vis-à-vis results of the carbon dating analysis. Based on the findings ofthe study, radiocarbon dating analyses showed that Beta-316804 (The WoodenCross) indicated a measured radiocarbon age Cal AD 1650 to 1690 (Cal BP 300to 260) compared to Beta-316805 (Image of Christ) Cal AD 1680 to 1730 (Cal BP 270 to 220) as identified by Beta Analytic Incorporated in 2012. Results showthat at 2-sigma statistics (95% probability), 2 dates yielded overlapping ranges,indicating that the results are statistically identical. Analyses of samples indicatedthat samples came from the same tree. Beta-316804 (The Wooden Cross) is slightly older than Beta-316805 (Christ’s Image). In conclusion, the study revealed the proximity of the radiocarbon dating analyses to the traditional accounts of thepeople of Lubao, Pampanga. Considering the highly sensitive nature of analyticalchemistry apparatuses, the time ranges (ages) drawn from the chemical analyseswere closely proximate to the dates asserted by oral accounts of the place. The results reveal the antiquity of the Crucifix (Cross and Image of Christ). The resultsvalidated the customary and traditional social and religious norms of the peopleas regards their reverence and devotion to the Crucifix even in this contemporarymilieu.Keywords: Social Sciences, oral history, religious artifact, image, Apo Sto Cristo, radiocarbondating, Philippines