In 1991, anthropomorphic secondary burial jars were discovered in Ayub Cave, Piñol. Maitum, Saranggani Province, in Mindanao, Philippines. Since then, a number of archaeological excavations were conducted to recover these important artifacts.

The anthropomorphic secondary burial jars date back to the Metal Age.  The site had been dated to 830 +/-60 B.P. (calibrated date of A.D. 70 to 370) and 1920 +/- 50 B.P. (cal. date of 5 B.C.  to A.D. 225).   The radiocarbon dates were obtained from the soot samples taken from the small earthenware vessel found inside one of the anthropomorphic burial jar.

These burial jars are made of earthenware designed and formed like human figures with complete facial characteristics.  These were associated with metal implements; glass beads and bracelets; shell spoon, scoop, bracelets and pendants; earthenware potteries with incised designs and cut-out foot-rings; non-anthropomorphic burial jars.

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