Igp Explanation Last Groups
Igp Explanation Last Groups
The Tausug, also known as the Suluk, are a predominantly Muslim ethnic
group primarily residing in the Sulu Archipelago in the southwestern
Philippines . They are known for their strong sense of community, their rich
cultural heritage, and their historical role as traders and seafarers 5.
History: The Tausug have a long and complex history, with their
origins traced back to the northeastern part of Mindanao . They
established the Sultanate of Sulu, an independent state that once
held sway over a vast territory encompassing parts of the Philippines,
Malaysia, and Indonesia6 .
Culture: The Tausug are known for their vibrant culture, including
their intricate pangalay dance, their traditional kris (dagger), and
their Tausug language, which is closely related to other Southern
Visayan languages . They have a strong sense of kinship and
community, with land traditionally owned by clans and controlled by
local leaders known as datus56 .
Challenges: The Tausug have faced challenges related to political
instability, poverty, and the loss of their ancestral lands. They have
also been impacted by the ongoing conflict in Mindanao, which has
disrupted their traditional way of life6 .
Group 6: The Guardians of Mindanao - Maranao and Lumad
History: The Maranao were among the last Muslim groups in the
southern Philippines to convert to Islam, influenced by Arab-Malay
missionaries . They established a system of confederate
states around Lake Lanao, with each state ruled by a datu 9 .
Culture: Maranao culture is deeply intertwined with Lake Lanao, which
is central to their myths, legends, and livelihood . They are known for
their exquisite torogan houses, their intricate okir woodcarving, and
their vibrant singkil dance911 .
Challenges: The Maranao have faced challenges related to political
instability, poverty, and the loss of their ancestral lands. The conflict in
Mindanao has also had a significant impact on their communities, with
the city of Marawi being the site of a major battle in 2017 9 .
The Badjao, Tausug, Maranao, and Lumad represent the rich diversity of
indigenous cultures in the Philippines. Their histories, traditions, and
struggles highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage and
fighting for the rights of indigenous peoples. These groups continue to face
challenges related to poverty, marginalization, and the loss of their ancestral
lands. Their resilience and determination to preserve their cultures and fight
for their rights serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing
and respecting the unique identities of indigenous peoples.
The Maranao are famed for their sophisticated weaving and wood and metal craft. Maranao means "People of the
Lake," after their traditional territory in the area surrounding Lake Lanao in the Bukidnon-Lanao Plateau, which is
some 2,200 feet above sea level. They are one of the largest Islamic groups in the Philippines. Core areas as
Marawi City, Lumba-a-bayabao, and Bayang. The Maranao are a splinter group of the Magindanao who took up
Islam; all families trace their religious origin to Sharif Kabunsuan, who introduced the religion in the area.
Communities are clustered around a mosque and a torogan, a royal house belonging to the leading economic
household in the area. The Maranao are widely distributed and play an important role in market trade. Besides
exotic textiles, metalwork, and woodcraft, the torogan building is perhaps the most spectacular example of
Filipino secular architecture. The awang, or dugout boat used in Lake Lanao, is possibly the most unique and
ornate of dugouts. Maranao textiles, which indicate the status of the wearer, are known for their very ornate
designs and colors. The design motifs which form the basis for the okil are highly systematized. NOtable among
them are the sari-manok and naga, abstract animate forms of the cock, and dragon or snake, respectively. They
also utilize a unique tube skirt, the malong.
The Meranao inhabit Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur in Mindanao. The
name Maranao translates to mean “People of the Lake”, after their
traditional territory in the area surrounding Lake Lanao in the Bukidnon-
Lanao Plateau.
According to the early written genealogical documents salsila, this term
generally referred to the native people living around Lake Lanao. The lake
area is the home-range of the Meranao which is located in North Central
Mindanao, approximately 135 sq. miles in area and is situated 2,300 feet
above sea level. They are one of the largest Islamic groups in the Philippines,
with the core areas being Marawi City, Lumba-a-bayabao, and Bayang.
The Meranao are a splinter group of the Maguindanao who took up Islam;
families tracing their religious origins to Sharif Kabunsuan, who introduced
the religion to the region. Communities are clustered around a mosque and a
torogan, a royal house belonging to the preeminent economic household in
the area. Aside from exotic textiles, metalwork, and woodcraft, the torogan
structure is the most significant and spectacular example of Filipino secular
architecture. As a people, the Meranao are widely distributed and contribute
significantly to the market and trade industry. For instance, the awang
(dugout boat) used principally in Lake Lanao is both unique and extremely
ornate. Textiles, on the other hand, symbolize the socio-economic rank of the
wearer through the intricacies of the design motifs woven into the fabric, as
well as, the richness of the colors used.
Meranao villages are composed of several families living in homes sans walls
for partition. They are allowed to be members of different villages
simultaneously, without fear of recrimination as outcasts due largely in part
to the accepted bilateral relationships. As transients, they’re found in other
parts of the Archipelago. Primary subsistence consists of dry rice cultivation
in hilly areas; intensive wet rice in flood plains; and some corn, sweet potato,
coffee, cassava and peanuts. To supplement their agricultural harvests, they
also incorporate fishing.