Aeta Group in the Philippines

The Aeta are one of the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, known for
their long history and distinct cultural heritage. They are considered to be the earliest
inhabitants of the archipelago, with a presence dating back thousands of years.
According to Philippine Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the Aeta are primarily
found in the island of Luzon, particularly in the northern part, including Zambales,
Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bataan. They also have communities in other regions like
Central Luzon, Central and Southern Mindanao, and Palawan.

Historical background
The Aeta (also known as Ayta, Agta, or Ita) are an indigenous people who
live in scattered, isolated mountainous parts of Luzon, Philippines. They are
considered to be among the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines, descended from the
first human groups who migrated from Africa via the southern route, around 70,000 to
50,000 years ago (Reyes, 2013). Their life is traditionally nomadic, living mostly in
bamboo huts, hunting and gathering in the forest (Headland, 1997). Their lifestyle has
been changing significantly due to various factors, like modernization, loss of
ancestral lands due to mining, logging, and farming activities, and natural disasters
like the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 (Bankoff, G. (2007).

Culture and tradition

The Aeta relied on hunting, gathering, and farming for their livelihood. They
possessed extensive knowledge of the forest and engaged in activities such as hunting
wildlife, fishing, and gathering wild plants and fruits. The Aeta have a rich cultural
heritage and maintain unique cultural practices and beliefs. They have their own
language, called Ayta, which belongs to the Austronesian language family. However,
due to contact with other Filipino ethnic groups, many Aeta communities also speak
Tagalog or other local languages. The Aeta have a rich oral tradition, where
knowledge, history, and cultural values are passed down through storytelling. Elders
play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting this oral knowledge to younger
generations, ensuring the continuity of their cultural practices and belief systems
(Hornedo, 2015).

Politics

The Aeta people in the Philippines have unique political and belief systems
that shape their social organization and cultural practices. While it's important to note
that the Aeta are diverse and their political and belief systems can vary among
different communities. The Aeta traditionally have a decentralized political structure.
They live in small, kinship-based communities led by elders or respected individuals
within the community. Decision-making is often based on consensus, and leadership
is earned through experience, wisdom, and knowledge of their environment (Hornedo,
2015)

Belief systems

The Aeta practice animistic religions, which emphasize a close relationship with
nature and the idea that spirits may be found in diverse natural features including
mountains, rivers, and trees. They think that these spirits have the ability to make an
impact on their lives and general wellbeing. To communicate with and seek protection
from these spirits, rituals, ceremonies, and offerings are performed (Gomez, 2017).
The worship of ancestors is a significant component in Aeta spirituality. They look to
their departed ancestors for direction and protection because they think they still exist
and have power over them. To commemorate and converse with their ancestors,
people execute ancestral rituals, which may include prayers, offerings, and sacrifices
(Hornedo, 2015).The practice of shamanism is important to Aeta culture. Shamans,
sometimes referred to as mambabarang or baylan,thought to have spiritual abilities
and serve as bridges between the worlds of spirit and humanity. To treat spiritual,
physical, and emotional ills in the community, they conduct rituals, healing rites, and
divination techniques (Gomez, 2017).