MOUNTAIN VIEW COLLEGE

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

General Education Department

PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS SOCIETY

MODULE 3 INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Traditional Craftsmanship

Reflection/Summary of The Yuvuk

The Ivatan Yuvuk's first application. It was once a head shield for the prehistoric Ivatans' stone armor
in battle. When the time came for peace, the ingenious Ivatan reversed it, added a long headband on
both sides, and used it to transport farm goods. It was later expanded to the size used and used
today. It may be the world's only farm basket with a pointed end. Notice the loin cloth attire and body
shield that our ancestors also used. This is a native of Lan Yu whose ancestors are believed to have
originally come from Batanes in the 17th century. They have kept most of our own Ivatan culture
especially their language and food. Ours is a case of one tribe belonging to two nationalities now.

Reflection/Summary of Sarimanok

The Sarimanok is a legendary bird of the Maranao people who originate from Mindanao, a major
island in the Philippines. It comes from the words “sari” and “manok.” “Sari” means cloth or garment,
which is generally of assorted colors. Manòk, which makes up part of its name, is a Philippine word for
chicken. The Sarimanok is derived from a totem bird of the Maranao people, called Itotoro. According
to the Maranao people, the Itotoro is a medium to the spirit world via its unseen twin spirit bird
called Inikadowa. The Maranaos of Lanao provinces consider the “sarimanok” as a symbol of
affluence. The bird is so regarded with respect that in many ways, it has symbolized the Maranao
before it has been given due nationwide recognition. Its bright colors characterize the Maranao’s
temperament and the abstract lines represent their nearness to the Supreme Being. It is in fact an
integral part of the Muslim culture that a “torogan” or royal house is not complete without it.
The bird motif which before was confined only within the interest of anthropologists has also caught
the attention of artists and enterprising people who perceived its uniqueness and attractive
attributes. Hotel owners who want their establishment to exude an exotic air is never without even
just a huge replica of the bird in brass, wordcarving or painting. Restaurants in Manila that serve
Muslim foods, or which carry a Muslim name always has a painting of the bird on their signboard.
With sarimanok’s elevation to a national symbol, it has somehow helped bridge the gap among the
varied cultures of this archipelagic country. It not only stands now for the southern culture, but also
that of the northern and central regions which incidentally have a related myth about a bird which
was responsible in bringing to the world the first man and woman, by pecking open the bamboo in
which they were encased.