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
As a result of their slave raids, and the adoption of captive women and
their offspring into the family, we find great variation in the members
of the tribe (Plates LXI-LXII).
Measurements on twenty-seven men gave the following results:
Height:--Maximum 169.0 cm.; minimum 146.0 cm.; average 158.3 cm.
Cephalic Index:--Maximum 86.4; minimum 71.7; average 78.1.
Length-Height. Index:--Maximum 76.5; minimum 61.9; average 68.4.
If these figures are compared with those of the Bagobo it will be seen
that there is little difference in the averages; however, this
similarity is less real than the figures indicate, for with the Kulaman
there are more individuals at both extremes. For example: the cephalic
indices of eight out of the twenty-seven were 80 or above, while six
were less than 75; again, in the length-height indices six were above 70
and an equal number less than 65. In other respects there is such
variation that it is hard to generalize. It is noticeable that there is
a greater tendency toward prognathism than we have heretofore met with;
the forehead, while high, is moderately retreating and the supra-orbital
ridges prominent in most individuals; the hair is brown-black and is
inclined to curl in locks. The wide variation of type within the tribe
is to be expected when we know that its members have been constantly
recruited from the neighboring tribes. It is even possible that a
considerable number of slave women from distant islands may have been
added to the group by purchase from the Moro.[77]
[77] According to early writers, the Moro of the Gulf carried on a
lucrative slave trade with this and other tribes. As the Moro raids were
made by water and often reached as far as the Northeastern coast of this
island and south to the Celebes it is quite possible that these remote
districts have helped in the upbuilding of the tribe under discussion.
The religious beliefs have many points in common with those of the
neighboring tribes, but there are some which require special notice.
Two powerful beings, TimanEm and his wife Diwata[78] are above all other
spirits.
[78] The Padada people say the term _diwata_ is a name which may be
applied to the _timanEm_, of whom there are two, a male and a female.
Mandalangan, also called Siling or Manobo Siring, is much like the
Bagobo divinity of similar name. He is fond of war and bloodshed and
when there has been a great slaughter he feasts on the flesh and drinks
of the blood of the slain. Only warriors can address him and make the
offerings of red food which he demands. Once a year, usually after the
rice harvest and when the moon is full, a raid must be made and victims
slain so that this spirit can feast.[79] If the Warriors fail to render
him this service Mandalangan will cause their bodies to swell up and
many will die, while sickness will visit all other members of the
tribe.[80]
[79] Data Bongkalasan says it was formerly the custom to make a foray at
each full moon.
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