Maguindanao
A HISTORY GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
Origins: Maguindanao was derived
from the two word “maginged” and
“danaw” which means people of the
marshy or people of the flooded
plains. In the early 1400 traders from
the nearby Malay states trade with
the Maguindanao and influenced the
culture of the region. Who is the
ancestor of Maguindanaon? All
Maguindanaon datus today claim to
be direct descendants of the first
Sultan of Maguindanao, who is also
the originator of Islam in the island,
Shariff Muhammad Kabungsuwan. It
is said that Kabungsuwan was the
youngest son of Shariff Zainul
Abidin and a Putri Josol Asikin.
Source/s: Madale, A. T. (1998). Muslims: The Misunderstood Filipinos. Philippine Studies, 46(4), 492–503.
Political & Social structure: Maguindanao society is stratified and family-
oriented, with those who are able to trace their ancestry directly to
Maguindanao royalty accorded the highest rank. Communities usually consist of
closely related families and are headed by an individual who bears the title of
datu.
Culture & Society: What are the practices in Maguindanao?
Traditional Maguindanaon ceremonies include Pabpagubad (healing), Puwasa
(fasting), Hariraya Puwasa (breaking of fast), Mauludin Nabi (birth of Prophet
Muhammad), Amon Jadid (Muslim new year) and other occasions. Kanduli
(thanksgiving) is an important occasion among the Maguindanaos of
Bagumbayan. A Maguindanaoan kulintang ensemble is a gong-chime collection
of instruments important to the musical culture of the Maguindanao people in
the Southern Philippines. Kulintang music is used for celebratory occasions such
as festivals, weddings, engagement parties, and baptisms, as well as in musical
competitions.
Interesting facts: Maguindanaon are known for their distinguished in the realm
of visual art. Historically, they have been renowned as metalworkers, producing
the wavy-bladed keris ceremonial swords and other weapons, as well as gongs.
 Tausug
A HISTORY GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

Origins: “Tausug” derives from tau, Political & Social structure: The political system of the sultanate was patrilineal.
meaning “man,” and "sug", meaning The sultan was the sole sovereign of the sultanate, followed by various
“current,” and thus translates into maharajah and rajah-titled sub divisional princes.
“people of the current.” It refers to
the majority Islamized group in the Culture & Society: Land is traditionally owned by the clan and controlled by
Sulu archipelago, their language, and local leaders known as "datus". The customs of marriage and the family follow
culture. The Tausug appear to have Muslim tradition. Kinship solidarity is very strong among the Tausug, and
come to Sulu from northeastern married children often live near—or in the same household with—the parents of
Mindanao as a result of contact with the husband. Most of the Tausug's build their stairways facing the rising sun.
Sama-Bajau traders. This movement They believe that fortune will come early in the morning if one's stairway faces
probably began in early Sung times the east. The Tausug men wears tight fitting pants and shirt, a sash around the
and was related to the growth of waist and a matching turban. Their clothes are made of cotton which they
Chinese trade during the Sung (a.d. weave locally.
960-1279) and Yuan (a.d. 1280-1368)
periods.
Interesting facts: Traditionally the Tausug are sailors, pearl divers and traders,
their ancestral homelands in the Sulu Archipelago have vigorous tidal currents
Unique Practices: Reckless courtship,
that flow from the Sulu and China Seas to the Celebes Sea. This translates
known in the vernacular as palabas,
literally into the name people of the current.
sarakahan tupul, or magpasumbahi, is
practiced by the Tausog people of
Mindanao. Similar to the palabas version
practiced in Luzon island, a suitor would
threaten to stab his heart while in front
of the courted woman's father.

Source/s: AFABLE, L. B. (1960). THE MUSLIMS AS AN ETHNIC MINORITY IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Philippine Sociological Review, 8(1/2), 16–33.
 Maranao
A HISTORY GRAPHIC ORGANIZER

Origins: The Maranao are famed for
their sophisticated weaving and wood
and metal craft. Maranao means
"People of the Lake," after their
traditional territory in the area
surrounding Lake Lanao in the
Bukidnon-Lanao Plateau, which is
some 2,200 feet above sea level. They
are one of the largest Islamic groups
in the Philippines. Core areas as
Marawi City, Lumba-a-bayabao, and
Bayang. The Maranao are a splinter
group of the Magindanao who took up
Islam; all families trace their religious
origin to Sharif Kabunsuan, who
introduced the religion in the area.
Political & Social structure: Traditionally, Maranao society is divided into two
strata. Namely, mapiyatao (pure) and kasilidan (mixed blood). kasilidan is further
subdivided into categories which are as follows; sarowang (non-Maranao), balbal
(beast), dagamot (Sorcerer/Sorceress) and bisaya (Slave).
Culture & Society: Communities are clustered around a mosque and a torogan, a
royal house belonging to the leading economic household in the area. The
Maranao are widely distributed and play an important role in market trade.
Besides exotic textiles, metalwork, and woodcraft, the torogan building is
perhaps the most spectacular example of Filipino secular architecture. The
awang, or dugout boat used in Lake Lanao, is possibly the most unique and
ornate of dugouts. Maranao textiles, which indicate the status of the wearer, are
known for their very ornate designs and colors.

Unique Practices: The design motifs

which form the basis for the okil are
highly systematized. Notable among
them are the sari-manok and naga,
abstract animate forms of the cock, and
dragon or snake, respectively. They also
utilize a unique tube skirt, the malong.
Interesting facts: Most of the artworks of the Maranaos are designed with “okir.”
Famously known for their artworks, okir is a flowing and geometric design used
by the Maranaos to beautify their artworks. Mamandyang, awang or dugout
boat, torogan, and their cultural attires were some of Maranao artworks that
have an okir-inspired design.

Source/s: RIVERA, G. F. (1960). THE MARANAO MUSLIMS IN LUMBAYAO, LANAO. Philippine

Sociological Review, 8(1/2), 1–9.