The Wild Tribes of Davao District, Mindanao: The R. F. Cummings Philippine ExpeditionCole, Fay-Cooper
History
The Wild Tribes of Davao District, Mindanao: The R. F. Cummings Philippine Expedition
Cole, Fay-Cooper
Ethnology -- Philippines -- Mindanao Island
In the ornamentation of their garments certain groups have specialized
until the bead work of the Bagobo excels all such work found in the
Philippines. The same can be said of the intricate and beautifully
embroidered designs seen in the garments of the Bila-an or the oversewed
fabrics of the Kulaman, while the crudely embroidered patterns of the
Mandaya are wonderfully effective. Yet, despite apparent
dissimilarities, there is such a likeness in many forms of
ornamentation, as well as in the technique of the methods of production,
that there seems to be ample proof of free borrowing, or of a common
origin.
On the non-material side the similarities between the groups are even
more marked. In each tribe the warriors gain distinction among their
fellows, the protection of certain spirits, and the privilege of wearing
red garments, by killing a certain number of persons. Except among the
Kulaman, mediums much like the _mabalian_ of the Bagobo make known the
wishes of the superior beings and direct the ceremonies. The people are
instructed when to plant by the spirits who place certain constellations
in the skies. These are the same for all the groups, although often
known by different names. The _limokon_ warns or encourages the
traveler, while certain acts of the individual, such as sneezing, are
looked upon as warnings from unseen beings. Many of these beings having
like attributes, although often bearing different names, are known to
each group. The idea of one or more spirits dwelling in different parts
of a man's body is widespread, while the belief that the right side of
the body is under the care of good influences and the left subject to
the bad, is well nigh universal in the District.
In conclusion note should be made of oft repeated assertions to the
effect that a part of the people of Davao District are white, and that
they are also cannibals and headhunters. The first can be dismissed with
the statement that so far as the writer has been able to observe or to
learn from trustworthy sources, there is no justification for such a
story. It can be just as positively stated that neither the Mandaya nor
any other tribe here described practice cannabalism[sic]. Warriors do
eat a part of the livers and hearts of men who have shown great valor,
the eaters thus securing some of the good qualities of the victims. The
Kulaman warriors always taste of the liver of the slain "in order to
become like Mandalangan," but they expressed the greatest disgust when
it was suggested that the balance of the body might make good food.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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