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
Not once did the writer receive a name for any pattern or design shown
in metal work. A careful study of the method of work, of the articles
produced, and of the folk-lore and religious observances connected with
the work in brass and copper brings one to the conclusion that this
class of work is of comparatively recent introduction and that the
instructors in the art were the Samal Moro.
Mention has already been made of the designs incised on combs and other
objects which are afterwards filled with lime. Just here it is
interesting to note that, so far as is known, the southern end of
Mindanao and adjacent small islands, are the only parts of the
Philippines in which this decoration, so typical of Melanesia, is to be
found.
Realistic carvings were seen used in only two capacities. The first in
certain ceremonies, where extremely crude wooden figures were offered to
the spirits in exchange for the sick person (see p. 103), and the
second, the wooden decoys used in hunting doves (See Plate XVIII).
Summing up our present information we can say: first, that the Bagobo
makes use of certain realistic designs which in some cases have become
conventionalized but still retain their former significance; second,
that the greater part of decoration in beads, shell disks, embroidery or
applique, as well as the incised designs in lime boxes and the like,
have no meaning to the people of the present day, and are added only to
make the objects more beautiful in the eyes of the owners. In this work
there are no set patterns and each artist gives full reign to the fancy
in producing these figures. Third, that the ideas for the patterns
inlaid, incised, and cast in brass or copper, are furnished by the
examples of this work coming from the Malays to the south, but that even
in these the artist has taken great liberties in the execution of the
design. Fourth, that one type of decoration, i. e., the incised figures
filled with lime, suggests the possible influence of Melanesia on the
artistic ideas of this people.
MYTHOLOGY.
During my stay with this tribe I heard parts of many folk-tales, some
chanted, others told with gravity, and still others which caused the
greatest levity. My limited knowledge of the dialect and pressure of
other work caused me to delay the recording of these tales until I
should begin a systematic study of the language. Owing to unforeseen
circumstances, that time never came, and it is now possible to give only
the slightest idea of a very rich body of tales.[54]
[54] Since this was written MISS BENEDICT has published an excellent
collection of Bagobo Myths (_Journal of American Folklore_, 1913, XXVI.
pp. 13-63.)
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