Barrel Man/Woman FAQ
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Where in the "PHILIPPINES" did the Barrel Man Originated from?
The Barrel Man originated from the Ifugao province of the Cordiliera Region in Northern Luzon of the Philippines. They are known to be a wood carving tribe.
The Barrel Man originated from the Ifugao province of the Cordiliera Region in Northern Luzon of the Philippines. They are known to be a wood carving tribe.
what's the little controversy with the Barrel Man origin?
Word is that the Barrel Man originated from Benguet and was brought to Baguio to sell. we need to take this with a grain of salt because we don't know where this info originated from.
Word is that the Barrel Man originated from Benguet and was brought to Baguio to sell. we need to take this with a grain of salt because we don't know where this info originated from.
What are the people called who makes them?
The Wood Carvers are called "Munpaot" in Baguio.
The Wood Carvers are called "Munpaot" in Baguio.
Does Kidlat Tahimik contradict himself?
Yes, cuz he only talks about the Barrel Man. He does not incorporate the other obscence novelty statues in his research. if he did it would contradict some of the things he is saying about the Barrel Man. Like the Barrel Man was made to mock Americans. The Nude Warrior for example. was made at the same time as the Barrel Man. were they mocking Americans with those also?
Yes, cuz he only talks about the Barrel Man. He does not incorporate the other obscence novelty statues in his research. if he did it would contradict some of the things he is saying about the Barrel Man. Like the Barrel Man was made to mock Americans. The Nude Warrior for example. was made at the same time as the Barrel Man. were they mocking Americans with those also?
How long does it take to make a Barrel Man?
It takes 2 days to make by hand. but now in modern time it takes even less cuz they use machinery.
It takes 2 days to make by hand. but now in modern time it takes even less cuz they use machinery.
What type of wood is used to make a Barrel Man?
Usually Philippine Mahogany.
Usually Philippine Mahogany.
Is there a Filipino Word for the "Barrel Man?"
No, there is no word in Filipino (Tagalog) or any Filipino Dialect for “The Barrel Man.” English and Spanish is used a lot in the Filipino Language. The name was just used in English.
No, there is no word in Filipino (Tagalog) or any Filipino Dialect for “The Barrel Man.” English and Spanish is used a lot in the Filipino Language. The name was just used in English.
What is the “String Pulled” Barrel Man?
they are the first Barrel Man created in the mid 1800's as a novelty item and Folk Art in the US. that uses a string connected to the Barrel to lift the penis up as you lift the Barrel.
they are the first Barrel Man created in the mid 1800's as a novelty item and Folk Art in the US. that uses a string connected to the Barrel to lift the penis up as you lift the Barrel.
What is the “Spring Loaded” Barrel Man?
they are Barrel Men created with a spring attached to the penis. So when you lift the barrel it bounces around.
they are Barrel Men created with a spring attached to the penis. So when you lift the barrel it bounces around.
When did the "Spring Loaded" Barrel Man first appear?
they were first created in the Philippines to be sold as novelty items at tourist spots in the early 1950's and still being sold in modern times.
they were first created in the Philippines to be sold as novelty items at tourist spots in the early 1950's and still being sold in modern times.
Was the Philippine Barrel Man the first Man in a barrel?
No, The "String Pulled" appeared in the mid 1800's as souvenir novelty items and Folk Art in the US. (Majority of these were Homemade and crude looking not mass produced)
No, The "String Pulled" appeared in the mid 1800's as souvenir novelty items and Folk Art in the US. (Majority of these were Homemade and crude looking not mass produced)
Did Philippines also produced the "String" type?
Yes, only before 1950 after this the spring was common.
Yes, only before 1950 after this the spring was common.
Did Philippines produced Barrel Mans for other countries?
Yes, There are probably even more other countries they just haven't written the name of their countries on them. like Japan, you can also find the Philippine Barrel Man and other Philippine novelties there.
Yes, There are probably even more other countries they just haven't written the name of their countries on them. like Japan, you can also find the Philippine Barrel Man and other Philippine novelties there.
Was the Barrel Man always a native?
the first Barrel Man was not a Filipino Native it was a US Soldier. you can tell if its a US Soldier. the Barrel Man will have a "Flat Top" Haircut. And their faces were different from the iconic Barrel Man we know today.
Flat Top haircuts is a popular haircut in the 1950's in the US and among US Soldiers. I believe the vendors were targeting US Soldiers and trying to appeal to them who had a high presence in the philippines at that time after WWII (1945.)
the first Barrel Man was not a Filipino Native it was a US Soldier. you can tell if its a US Soldier. the Barrel Man will have a "Flat Top" Haircut. And their faces were different from the iconic Barrel Man we know today.
Flat Top haircuts is a popular haircut in the 1950's in the US and among US Soldiers. I believe the vendors were targeting US Soldiers and trying to appeal to them who had a high presence in the philippines at that time after WWII (1945.)
When did the "Native" Philippine Barrel Man appear?
1960.
1960.
When did the Barrel Woman appear?
1960. when they created the native barrel man the also created the native barrel woman.
1960. when they created the native barrel man the also created the native barrel woman.
Did Philippines use other designs before choosing the iconic native Filipino?
yes, in the early 1960's there was a wave of experimental Barrel Man's. they all had differnet designs as if they were still trying to figure out how the barrel man should look.
yes, in the early 1960's there was a wave of experimental Barrel Man's. they all had differnet designs as if they were still trying to figure out how the barrel man should look.
When did the Barrel Man develop spring loaded arms?
early 1960's
early 1960's
Did the "String Pulled" Barrel Man have arms?
Yes, When you lift the barrel up you will also lift up the arms that are hinged to the body.
Yes, When you lift the barrel up you will also lift up the arms that are hinged to the body.
Was there ever a "String Pulled" Barrel Woman?
No, I think it would be impossible. but, maybe there is one out there.
No, I think it would be impossible. but, maybe there is one out there.
How many variations are there of the Barrel Woman?
Three. The "spring lodaded" breasts (The Philippines,) Solid Breast (The Caribbean) and another that shows pubic hair down below (European).
Three. The "spring lodaded" breasts (The Philippines,) Solid Breast (The Caribbean) and another that shows pubic hair down below (European).
What is another name for the Barrel Man?
"Man In A Barrel" is the universal and generic term for this item in souvenir novelty stores. in the Antique collecting circle they're called "Pop-Up Men."
"Man In A Barrel" is the universal and generic term for this item in souvenir novelty stores. in the Antique collecting circle they're called "Pop-Up Men."
Who coined "The Barrel Man?'
The Philippines.
The Philippines.
Is Philippines the only country that produces the spring loaded Barrel Man?
No. Well maybe at one point in the 1950’s they did but other countries has produce their own type of spring loaded Barrel Man or “Man in a Barrel” since then.
No. Well maybe at one point in the 1950’s they did but other countries has produce their own type of spring loaded Barrel Man or “Man in a Barrel” since then.
What is the biggest Barrel People?
Biggest Barrel Man comes in 12in and Barrel Woman 8in. sadly the Barrel Woman isn't that popular. it is rarely found in 12in. but you can have it custom made by ordering directly from the manufacturer but you have to buy in bulk.
Biggest Barrel Man comes in 12in and Barrel Woman 8in. sadly the Barrel Woman isn't that popular. it is rarely found in 12in. but you can have it custom made by ordering directly from the manufacturer but you have to buy in bulk.
Are there any Barrel Man bigger than 12in"?
Yes, in the Philippines they have "the full size" Super Barrel Man statues. they are non-removable barrels. but if you bend down and look underneath the barrel you will see his penis. These aren't for sale but own and displayed by Pamana Restaurants located all over the Philippines.
Yes, in the Philippines they have "the full size" Super Barrel Man statues. they are non-removable barrels. but if you bend down and look underneath the barrel you will see his penis. These aren't for sale but own and displayed by Pamana Restaurants located all over the Philippines.
Are the Barrel People only made out of wood?
In modern times it is made out of many different materials other than wood. but the majority is wood.
In modern times it is made out of many different materials other than wood. but the majority is wood.
Are there any other system of the Barrel Man to show off his penis?
Yes, there are rare function types... but they don't seem to be popular. Rubber Band, Weight Pulled, Spring Pulled, Water Trigger and Mechanical Loader.
Yes, there are rare function types... but they don't seem to be popular. Rubber Band, Weight Pulled, Spring Pulled, Water Trigger and Mechanical Loader.
I heard the Barrel Man had a long lost BROTHER?
yes, The forgotten "Coffin Man" was also produced in the Philippines (1950) it was in response to WWII. usually an inscription "A Good Man" is written on the lid. if you lift his lid.. yes you guess it.. it his brother.
yes, The forgotten "Coffin Man" was also produced in the Philippines (1950) it was in response to WWII. usually an inscription "A Good Man" is written on the lid. if you lift his lid.. yes you guess it.. it his brother.
I can't seem to find any Coffin Man around for sale?
The Philippines stopped producing the coffin man. my guesstimate they stopped around the early 1970's.
The Philippines stopped producing the coffin man. my guesstimate they stopped around the early 1970's.
Why did they stop producing the Coffin Man?
The Coffin Man was known to be "Malas." or really Bad Luck. if somebody had these in a filipino house hold these were thrown away right away. so finding these for sale became really rare.
The Coffin Man was known to be "Malas." or really Bad Luck. if somebody had these in a filipino house hold these were thrown away right away. so finding these for sale became really rare.
Were the early novelties Oversized?
Yes novelties made between 1945-1950 were really big they seem to haven't established the size limit yet.
Yes novelties made between 1945-1950 were really big they seem to haven't established the size limit yet.
Are there any other similar items like the Barrel Man in other countries?
Yes, The Indio Pícaro (The Kinky Indian) originated in the 80's in Chile. its function is very similar to the "String Pulled" Barrel Man made in the 1800's but it doesn't use a barrel. his body and head is like the barrel but with no hole on top and if you lift his body his penis will pop out underneath.
Yes, The Indio Pícaro (The Kinky Indian) originated in the 80's in Chile. its function is very similar to the "String Pulled" Barrel Man made in the 1800's but it doesn't use a barrel. his body and head is like the barrel but with no hole on top and if you lift his body his penis will pop out underneath.
Are the Barrel People a fertility God?
No, people like to say that it is so they can give it an exotic mystique when selling their item. it’s a novelty item sold at tourists souvenir shops plain and simple. it's apart of the souvenir art trade. these humorous pieces were made for the tourist market. appealing to tourist seeking cultural mementos and reminder of their travel experience.
No, people like to say that it is so they can give it an exotic mystique when selling their item. it’s a novelty item sold at tourists souvenir shops plain and simple. it's apart of the souvenir art trade. these humorous pieces were made for the tourist market. appealing to tourist seeking cultural mementos and reminder of their travel experience.
There seems to be an abundant of Barrel Mans coming from the 1970’s?
The 1970’s is always associated with wood grain and a lot of things were made out of wood in that time. people just put two and two together and assume its from that time.
The 1970’s is always associated with wood grain and a lot of things were made out of wood in that time. people just put two and two together and assume its from that time.
Do they make Barrel Mans in Africa?
No or not that I know of. I also collect African art and if they created their own Barrel Man it would look similar to that. but, so far I haven’t seen any. I’ve seen many times people say the Caribbean Barrel Man are from Africa to give it an exotic appeal. They are either ignorant, confused or trying to raise the price. But the Caribbean Barrel Man do look primitive aesthetically. And people tell me racist stereotype that would lead them to believe it is from Africa.
No or not that I know of. I also collect African art and if they created their own Barrel Man it would look similar to that. but, so far I haven’t seen any. I’ve seen many times people say the Caribbean Barrel Man are from Africa to give it an exotic appeal. They are either ignorant, confused or trying to raise the price. But the Caribbean Barrel Man do look primitive aesthetically. And people tell me racist stereotype that would lead them to believe it is from Africa.
People tell me their barrel people are from the 1800’s?
Spring Loaded did not exist back then but on the other hand String Pulled did around the mid 1800's. The earliest dated barrel man ive seen is from the American Civil War (1865). But they were really sketchy and rough looking not professionally done. They are like what your grandpa would carve for you. Good quality String Pulled only started to exist in the early 1900’s in wood, plastic, rubber, metal and in plaster.
Spring Loaded did not exist back then but on the other hand String Pulled did around the mid 1800's. The earliest dated barrel man ive seen is from the American Civil War (1865). But they were really sketchy and rough looking not professionally done. They are like what your grandpa would carve for you. Good quality String Pulled only started to exist in the early 1900’s in wood, plastic, rubber, metal and in plaster.
Anything special about European Barrel Mans?
yes, they have a bottle opener attached to the top of them.
yes, they have a bottle opener attached to the top of them.
Were there other obscene novelties being sold with the Barrel Man in the Philippines?
yes, there were other novelties but out of all of them the barrel man became the most famous. the middle finger statue was also being sold after WWII 1945. The obscene hand gesture in the Philippines is totally different from the US. proof this was evidence of US Influence. (i would also like to note that other surrounding asian countries has also produce their own middle finger statues since then.) other types of hand gestures were also made. the thumbs up, the pointing finger, begging hand, the fist, the shaka, the devil sign, the crossed fingers... etc. the lady nutcracker was also available at that time. the penis ashtray was available and as well the "Monk Penis." (which was a large carved wooden penis with a mans face on it.) also the Spear and Shield Man, (when the shield is removed his penis is revealed), The Coffin Man, (when the coffin lid is opened his penis is revealed), The Pregnant Girl (Because of you) has an early version the inscription on the base were in Filipino (Tagalog) (Ikaw Kasi).. etc. as of today modern versions of these items are still available for purchase.
yes, there were other novelties but out of all of them the barrel man became the most famous. the middle finger statue was also being sold after WWII 1945. The obscene hand gesture in the Philippines is totally different from the US. proof this was evidence of US Influence. (i would also like to note that other surrounding asian countries has also produce their own middle finger statues since then.) other types of hand gestures were also made. the thumbs up, the pointing finger, begging hand, the fist, the shaka, the devil sign, the crossed fingers... etc. the lady nutcracker was also available at that time. the penis ashtray was available and as well the "Monk Penis." (which was a large carved wooden penis with a mans face on it.) also the Spear and Shield Man, (when the shield is removed his penis is revealed), The Coffin Man, (when the coffin lid is opened his penis is revealed), The Pregnant Girl (Because of you) has an early version the inscription on the base were in Filipino (Tagalog) (Ikaw Kasi).. etc. as of today modern versions of these items are still available for purchase.
Has any of the Philippines novelty been used in the media?
Yes, the "Head Up The Butt" Statue was used in the Super Bowl Commercial in 2012 using CGI with real people acting.
Yes, the "Head Up The Butt" Statue was used in the Super Bowl Commercial in 2012 using CGI with real people acting.
Do they still sell the Barrel People in the Philippines?
Yes and No... as of 2007 it's been banned to sell around Manila malls and airports. they wanted to clean up the image of the Philippines to tourist. and as of 2018 they are planning to ban the barrel people and as well as other erotic novelties in Baguio City.. the place where the barrel man originated from for the same reason.
Yes and No... as of 2007 it's been banned to sell around Manila malls and airports. they wanted to clean up the image of the Philippines to tourist. and as of 2018 they are planning to ban the barrel people and as well as other erotic novelties in Baguio City.. the place where the barrel man originated from for the same reason.
