THE IGOROTS

The Igorots are a very distinct group of people, a tribe

who originate from the Northern provinces of the Philippine
archipelago. The word, Igorot in Tagalog means mountain
people. For a long time now, this term has been tacitly used in a
derogatory sense. It signifies that the Igorots were a backward
tribe who couldn't contribute any technological innovations to
society (Fallon).

The Igorots originate from six key areas namely Abra,

Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao and Baguio. These natives are important because they comprise a part of the
rich Filipino culture. This site aims to preserve the culture of this tribe through the amalgamation of key
information such as the Igorot culture, cuisine, dance, and even the latest social and political issues that have
wider implications to the Philippine society. Through this website, I hope to spread awareness on social,
political and economic issues. One key issue being brought up is the displacement of these people. As huge
Philippine corporations begin to reclaim lands, the Igorots are left displaced.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF IGOROTS

The Igorot people are Austronesians. They were known in earlier

days for their wars and practice of headhunting. The Spaniards forcibly
partially subdued them during the colonial occupation of the Philippines, that
process being completed during the period of U.S. hegemony. Ethnologists
distinguish about 10 main ethnic groups, each with its
own dialect and culture. There are also variations within these groups.

The Igorots are tied together by a similar set of cultural practices and
beliefs. They highly value nature and they believe that their gods reside in
objects such as "trees and in the mountains". Another distinguishing feature
of the Igorot tribe from Northern Luzon are their vibrant pieces of clothing.
Their headpieces are composed of feathers and they often take with them
ornate pieces of wooden weaponry.

PEOPLE OF THE MOUNTAINS – IGOROTS OF THE CORDILLERAS

Cordillera Mountains, Luzon, Philippines

From a historical standpoint, the people of the

Cordilleras were never a united people and still to this day there
are peace pacts in place to keep order among many of the tribes.
The term Igorot is an old Tagalog word meaning “people from
the mountains” and is a general term used to include all of the
mountain tribes from the Cordilleras. The Spanish adopted this
term, but it was generally used in a negative manner referring to
savages and backward people of the mountains. However, the
Spanish themselves were never able to fully penetrate the
Cordilleras during their 300-year colonial period in the Philippines and thus had very little influence on the
Igorot people and their way of life. Part of this was likely due to the rugged terrain of the area but also because
of the fierce nature of the people, who would not surrender easily to outsiders. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s
when the American Episcopal church came into some areas of the Cordilleras and people started to convert to
Christianity and get formal education.

Today, the term Igorot is often debated among the people of the Cordilleras as to what the politically
correct use should be. Many groups now proudly proclaim themselves as Igorots while other tribes still prefer to
be called by their more specific tribal names. After three weeks in the area and hearing time and time again
people referring to themselves as Igorots I never got the feeling that it is a negative term to use. I refer to the
Igorot people in the most honorable and respectful manner.

CULTURAL ELEMENTS - common to the Igorot peoples as a whole include metalworking in iron
and brass, weaving, and animal sacrifice. They believe in spirits, including those of ancestors, and have
complex rituals to propitiate them. There are no clans or tribes, and political organization is generally limited to
the village level. Kinship is traced on both the paternal and the maternal sides, extending as far as third cousins.

TRADITIONAL LOOM WEAVING

Traditional loom weaving provides livelihoods for a number of

different communities within the Cordilleras. This is a Kalinga woman
in her home where she spends her days making different patterns on
her wooden loom. The finished products may be sold locally or sent to
Baguio.

SAGADA POTTERY

Local tourists from Manila watch as Siegrid from Sagada

Pottery shows them how to create a clay jar. All the clay used here is
local and Siegrid is very passionate about her artwork. Sagada Pottery
is one of many art forms in the Igorot society and a source of income
as businesses/products where people visits the area come to witness.

PLAYING GONGS (GANZA)

Playing of gongs (Ganza) and dancing is a fun and typical part

of the wedding celebration. Any group of people can pick up the
gongs and get a dance going and it is all very spontaneous. The elders
all they way to the youth enjoy playing the gongs and dancing.