Philippines are comprised of various tribes such as Tausug, Maguindanaon, Cebuano, Ilokano,

and many more. Among these ethnic groups, Ifugao, are those whose ancestors were the very first
generation of Malays who arrived in the Philippines centuries ago from the southeast of the Asian
continent. The root of the word "Ifugao", is originated from ipugo, which denotes "earth people,"
"mortals," or "humans" as opposed to spirits and deities. It also means "from the hill", as pugo means
hill. For mountain inhabitants, the Spanish used the terms "Igorot" or "Ygolote." However, the Ifugao
people favor the name Ifugao. In regards to Ifugao being called mountain inhabitants by the Spaniards,
this is due to the tribe being formerly a part of the previous Mountain Province. Republic Act No. 4695,
also known as the Division Law of Mountain Province, which became effective on June 18, 1966, gave it
the status of an independent province.

Regarding the culture of Ifugao, they tend to place a high priority on links to one's family, kin,
and religious beliefs. The Ifugao are distinctive among the other ethnic groups in the mountain province
for their narrative literature, such as the hudhud, a poem-sung epic about heroic ancestors. Hudhud, as
well, plays a vital role in the tradition of the Ifugao people as they chant this poem during occasions like
funeral receptions, rituals, rice planting and rice harvesting seasons.

Ifugao also have their distinct clothing for men and women. They refer to their traditional male
apparel as "Wanno" or G-string. There are six various styles of wanno that can be worn, depending on
the situation or the man's social standing. The Ifugaos' "Tapis" or wraparound skirt is the name of their
traditional female dress.