Monthly Archives: September 2017

Culture

The Ilongot Tribe Of Headhunters

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Deep in the rolling mountains of Northern Luzon, far from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila exists the beautiful landscapes of the Cagayan Valley. The Valley – mostly consisting of the region between the Cordilleras and the Sierra Madre mountain ranges – is home to some of The Philippines most iconic landmarks.

Apart from its beautiful scenic views, the Cagayan Valley is also known to house a peculiar tribe of people whose cultural practices have drawn the attention of anthropologists from around the world.

To address the culturally unique elements of this tribe I will first take you through the mythology subscribed to by these people – the Bugkalut or the more common expression used by tribal outsiders, the Ilongot people.

Creation mythology of the Ilongot people

Those familiar with the Abrahamic religions will know the story of Cain and Abel; found in the Bible Book of Genesis. Well, the Ilongot people follow a creation myth very similar to the story of Cain and Abel.

According to the Ilongot people, the creators of the universe are two quarrelling brothers who go by the name Cain and Abel. Abel was a shepherd who is known to have been looked upon favourably due to his propensity to self-sacrifice. While Cain, who worked in agriculture was known for his inclination towards chaos. The Ilongot people identify those who live down in the lowlands as following the spirit of Abel.

The Ilongot people identify those who live down in the lowlands as following the spirit of Abel. They view them as superior as well as having had learned to work with the domesticated animals such as Carabao. Interestingly, the Ilongot see themselves as following in the footsteps of Cain and his spirit of chaos.

This is because the Ilongot have long been known as a tribe of headhunters. Like Cain, in moments of grief or intense emotion, the Ilongot have an inclination towards murder.



Manifestation of liget in the Ilongot tribe

After the loss of a loved one, a rage of bereavement arises in the men of the Ilongot. While under this condition – identified by the tribe as liget – the men of the Ilongot would hunt and kill other men.

This intense emotional state labelled as liget became the motivation for many cultural practices and “rites of passage” for the tribe. The spirit of liget has been described as a sense of anger, heat, energy, and envy.

This emotional state which often leads to headhunting manifests itself in many situations. It is used in times of warfare, elders harness the power of the emotional state in such situations. An unsettled feud or the death of a loved one may also lead to headhunting.

It is also a requirement that a young man must kill before he can marry. Once the headhunters return, a pig is sacrificed as well as there typically is a celebration amongst the whole tribe.

In modern times, there has been a crackdown on the headhunting carried out by the tribe. Protestant missionaries then began to make contact with the tribe; before that time, the Ilongot people had no regular contact with the major world religions.

Many members of the tribe began to practice Christianity, the intense emotional states of the tribal members began to subside. The members were no longer reaching those previously intense emotional states of linget. This meant the tribes people no longer resort to murder and headhunting as an expression of this emotional state.

Culture

Carabao, The Philippines Greatest Ally

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What is The Philippines national animal? I was recently in discussion with a friend, for a second we were both adamant that the national animal was the Philippine Eagle. Though, I was also conflicted as the eagle was more widely known to be representative of the USA.

A countries national animal is said to be something unique to that region, something with an admirable nature, representative of the country in which it dwells. That is why after a quick Google search I felt ashamed that it took us so long to realize what the animal was.

Of course, it is the Carabao, also widely known as Water Buffalo. Once you venture from the countries metropolis, you will find these animals adorning the countries picturesque landscapes. They have graced these regions of The Philippines for centuries, believed to have moved into the region with the Malays.

How the Carabao helped build the nation

These majestic animals are also seen to represent the deep cultural roots of the country. As well as the nature of the people in modern times. They have been assisting farmers since the dawn of the nation; playing an integral role in the production of the countries food supply for generations – even up until modern times.

They represent the hardworking and patient nature Filipinos have become known for on the international stage. The Carabao has always remained by the side of the Filipino. Even during the many revolutions and wars to hit the country the carabao suffered mass casualties.

The Carabao has also continually assisted in the process of producing the countries cash crops for export – rice, corn, and sugarcane – which, in turn, contribute to the nation’s prosperity.

History shows that the Carabao has gone above and beyond in proving itself an ally of the Filipino people. The myriad of benefits brought by the creature has shown the creature to really be a “Beast of Fortune”.