The Bagobo People of Southern

Mindanao
Brief History & Origin
The Bagobo are one of the largest and most prominent indigenous groups in
southern Mindanao, primarily inhabiting the slopes of Mount Apo and its
surrounding areas in the Davao Region. Mount Apo, the highest peak in the
Philippines, holds sacred significance for the Bagobo as both their ancestral
homeland and a spiritual center.

Historically, the Bagobo were known for their highly organized society and
their rich cultural heritage. They were among the first indigenous groups
encountered by Spanish colonizers in the region during the 16th century.
Despite outside influences, they managed to preserve much of their
traditions through generations. Their cultural identity has always been
deeply tied to nature, agriculture, spirituality, and craftsmanship.

 Location: The Bagobo primarily live in Davao del Sur, Davao City,
and nearby provinces.
 Subgroups: The Bagobo are not a single homogenous group but
consist of three main subgroups:
o Tagabawa – Known for their warrior-chiefs (magani) and distinct
dialect.
o Clata (Guiangan) – Found mostly around Davao City, with their
own variations in customs.
o Ubo – Living closer to forested and upland areas.
 Historical Leadership: Traditional governance was led by datus
(chiefs) and councils of elders. The magani (warrior-chiefs) were
men who earned prestige by bravery in battle and leadership in
protecting their communities.
 Connection to Nature: The Bagobo believe that the natural world—
rivers, mountains, fields, and forests—is alive with spirits. This belief
shaped their agricultural cycles, rituals, and social order.
Language and Dialects

The Bagobo belong to the Austronesian language family, one of the

largest language families in the world. Within this family, the Bagobo speak
dialects that are specific to their subgroups: Tagabawa, Clata, and Ubo.
While these dialects are closely related, each subgroup has its own
variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and expressions.

Because of interactions with other communities, especially Visayan settlers

in the Davao region, many Bagobo today are bilingual or multilingual,
often speaking Cebuano (Bisaya) or Tagalog alongside their native
dialects. This multilingualism has helped them adapt to modern society but
has also created challenges in preserving their original dialects.

Language plays an important role in passing down oral traditions, chants,

songs, and stories, which are central to Bagobo culture. Elders are the
custodians of these oral histories, ensuring that cultural knowledge is
preserved for future generations.
Cultural Practices and Traditions
Belief System and Rituals

The Bagobo practice a complex spiritual system combining animism,

ancestor worship, and belief in a supreme deity.

 Manama: The celestial god who is considered the creator and ultimate
ruler of human destiny.
 Anito (ancestral spirits): Spirits of the dead who continue to
influence the lives of the living. Families often honor them through
offerings and rituals.
 Nature Spirits: They believe that rivers, mountains, trees, and even
fields are inhabited by unseen beings.

Rituals are central to Bagobo life:

 Agricultural rituals – Before planting or harvesting, they perform

ceremonies to ask for blessings from the spirits to ensure a bountiful
harvest.
 Life cycle rituals – Birth, marriage, and death are marked with
prayers, offerings, and symbolic acts.
 Protective rituals – Before journeys or hunting, they seek protection
from spirits.

Shamans and ritual leaders guide the community during ceremonies,

performing chants, prayers, dances, and animal sacrifices when
needed.

Governance

The datu serves as both political leader and judge in the community, settling
disputes and guiding daily life. Governance is not only about leadership but
also about maintaining harmony with spirits and ancestors, since
spiritual balance is considered vital to the community’s survival.
Superstitions

The Bagobo have many superstitions rooted in respect for the unseen world:

 Saying “Tabi-tabi po” when passing through forests, rivers, or unknown

places to avoid offending spirits.
 Believing that dreams carry messages from ancestors or warnings
about future events.

Traditional Attire
One of the most recognizable features of Bagobo culture is their vibrant
and intricate clothing.

 Materials: Traditionally made from abaca fibers, which are dyed and
woven into intricate ikat (tie-dye) patterns.
 Women’s attire: Women wear tube skirts (sonnod) paired with
elaborately embroidered blouses. They accessorize with beads, brass
ornaments, and belts.
 Men’s attire: Men wear saroar (tight trousers) and close-fitting
jackets decorated with embroidery and beadwork. Headscarves or
turbans are also common.
 Symbolism: Colors and patterns often symbolize social status,
tribal identity, and artistry.

Even today, Bagobo attire remains a source of cultural pride, especially

during festivals, dances, and rituals.

Music
Music is an essential part of Bagobo life, both for rituals and celebrations.

 Instruments:
o Agung (drum) – Provides rhythm during ceremonies.
 o Tangunggo (gongs) – Played in ensembles during dances and
rituals.
o Bamboo instruments – Flutes and percussion made from natural
materials.
 Purpose: Music is not just entertainment; it serves to communicate
with spirits, accompany rituals, and bring the community
together.

Dances
Bagobo dances are rich with meaning and storytelling.

 Symbolism: Many dances mimic daily activities like farming,

hunting, and gathering. Other's express themes of unity,
thanksgiving, or preparation for battle.
 Occasions: Dances are often performed during harvest festivals,
weddings, or social gatherings, usually ending in communal
celebration.
 Role of Music: Instruments such as gongs and drums accompany the
dances, creating a strong sense of rhythm and community.

These dances are both artistic and spiritual, reflecting the Bagobo’s
worldview that every part of life is interconnected with nature and the spirit
world.

Current Issues and Challenges

1. Cultural Preservation
The Bagobo face the challenge of preserving their traditions as
modernization and globalization influence younger generations.
Traditional weaving, rituals, and language are at risk of being
forgotten.
2. Land Rights
Their ancestral lands, especially those around Mount Apo, are under
 threat from logging, mining, and commercial farming. This not only
endangers their homes but also their spiritual practices, which are
tied to the land.
3. Economic Challenges
Many Bagobo still rely on subsistence farming and traditional
crafts. While some engage in trade and modern occupations, poverty
and limited access to resources remain significant issues.
Photographs or Illustrations
 Colorful ikat textiles and beadwork: The Bagobo are known for
their intricate abaca-ikat weaving, particularly the Inabal, which
features geometric designs and is often embellished with beads and
embroidery. These textiles are dyed using natural plant and mineral
pigments, with red and black being prominent colors.
 Traditional clothing worn during rituals and dances: Bagobo
clothing reflects status and occasion. The sonnod, a three-panel tube
skirt, is a high-status garment for women. Men wear knee-length
trousers called saroar, often striped and woven. Jackets, richly
patterned with shells, glass beads, and embroidery, are worn by both
 men and women. Warrior-chiefs, or magani, wear distinctive red
clothing symbolizing courage. Traditional dances, like the Todak or
Bagobo Rice Cycle dance, showcase these garments.
 Musical instruments such as gongs and drums: The Bagobo use
musical instruments like gongs (agung or agong) and drums (guimbao
or gimbal) in various cultural activities. The NCCA confirms that various
Filipino indigenous groups use gongs and drums.
 Community gatherings around Mount Apo: Bagobo communities
have a deep connection to Mount Apo (also known as Apo Sandawa),
which is considered sacred ground. Gatherings and rituals often take
place in its vicinity, reflecting their cultural and spiritual ties to the
mountain.

References for images

 National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA): This
organization promotes and preserves Philippine culture and arts,
including the Bagobo culture. Their social media often features visuals
of Bagobo traditions, such as the Inabal textile.
 American Museum of Natural History (Bagobo collections): This
museum houses a collection of Bagobo material culture, including
textiles and clothing assembled from the collections of Jessup,
Benedict, and Starr.
 Mapping Philippine Material Culture Project: This digital
humanities project inventories Philippine objects, including Bagobo
artifacts, housed in museums and private collections outside of the
Philippines. Their website features photographs and textual
information about these objects, including abaca textiles, clothing,
jewelry, and weapons.