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ICC Narrative

The Ilongot, or Ibalao, are an indigenous group in the Philippines primarily located in northeastern Luzon, known for their rich cultural heritage and historical practices such as headhunting. They have a semi-nomadic lifestyle and have faced challenges such as loss of identity, land displacement, and poverty due to modernization and external influences. Traditional customs include arranged marriages, polygamy, unique clothing, and various rituals, while their crafts include basketry and weapon-making.

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10 views4 pages

ICC Narrative

The Ilongot, or Ibalao, are an indigenous group in the Philippines primarily located in northeastern Luzon, known for their rich cultural heritage and historical practices such as headhunting. They have a semi-nomadic lifestyle and have faced challenges such as loss of identity, land displacement, and poverty due to modernization and external influences. Traditional customs include arranged marriages, polygamy, unique clothing, and various rituals, while their crafts include basketry and weapon-making.

Uploaded by

Ann
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSIDAD DE MANILA
College of Business Administration
659-A Cecilia Muñoz St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

Name: Cruz, Ann Caroline T. Date: Feb 03, 2025

Section: BSHM – 21

Narrative Report

Ilongot (Ibalao)
- The Ilongot, also known as Ibalao, are an indigenous
group in the Philippines. Primarily inhabiting the
southern Sierra Madre and Caraballo Mountains in Luzon.
They are known for their rich cultural heritage and
historical practices, including headhunting.

1. Location or Geographical Location


- The Ilongot, or Ibalao, are an indigenous group that
hails primarily in northeastern Luzon, Philippines. They
can be found in the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino,
and Aurora. Traditionally, they occupy mountainous areas,
particularly headwaters of the Cagayan and Pampanga
Rivers.

2. History
- The Ilongot people are noted in history as largely semi-
nomadic hunters and slash-and-burn agriculturalists. They
are known for their warrior culture, largely headhunting
as a rite of passage among the young men: a way of
showing grief and becoming a man, which culture
significantly waned with colonial rule and modernization.
During Spanish and American colonization, the Ilongots
largely resisted foreign control, retreating into their
mountainous homelands. In more recent history, they have
integrated more into mainstream Philippine society while
preserving aspects of their identity.
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSIDAD DE MANILA
College of Business Administration
659-A Cecilia Muñoz St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

3. Physical Features
- The Ilongots generally have black to slightly brownish
hair color. Long hairstyle for both men and women. For
face structure, they have angular facial features with
prominent cheekbones and a strong jawline, almond-shaped
eyes, and a straight or slightly curved nose. As for
their body height, it is medium to short stature, and for
skin tone, it is tan to deep brown.

4. Customs or Traditions
Marriage and Family – Marriage was often arranged between
families. Marriage is often accompanied by a form of
bride price (dowry) where the groom's family gives goods
to the bride's family.

Polygamy - the practice of marrying multiple spouses


simultaneously. polygyny, is where one man has multiple
wives.

Clothing & Body Adornments – Bahag wore by men and


warriors, sometimes wore with feathered headdresses.
Handwoven skirts wore by women and some beaded
accessories.

Tribe Dance – Tagem No Katakit, which means "Dance of


Strength and Grief," a traditional Ilongot dance, is to
express their bravery, sorrow, and release of emotions,
especially when dealing with grief after a loved one’s
passing. Historically, it was connected to war
preparations and headhunting rituals, where warriors
expressed their readiness for battle and sought to ease
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSIDAD DE MANILA
College of Business Administration
659-A Cecilia Muñoz St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

emotional burdens. The war dance of the Ilongot, called


"Padung," means embodying their values related to
bravery, community, and the warrior spirit.

5. Culture or Beliefs
Headhunting (Former Belief and Practice) - The Ilongot
were once famous headhunters, considering it a rite of
passage for young men, proving their strength and
maturity. It was believed that taking a head would
release grief and sorrow, especially after the death of a
loved one. Headhunting was once a spiritual and emotional
ritual, not just an act of war. This practice was
abolished in the 20th century, with the influence of
government intervention and modernization.

Death and Afterlife Beliefs - The Ilongot believed in an


afterlife where the spirit of the dead joined ancestors.
Mourning rituals were important, sometimes involving chanting,
offerings, and symbolic acts. With the influence of
Christianity, modern Ilongots now practice Christian funeral
rites blended with traditional beliefs.

Animism – The Ilongots traditionally believe in spirits


inhabiting nature, such as mountains, rivers, and trees.
They also practice shamanism, where spiritual leaders
communicate with spirits. Shamans (babaylan) who performed
rituals, healing, and divination. Rituals often involved
offerings of animals, food, and prayers to appease spirits or
seek guidance.

6. Creative Craft
Republic of the Philippines
UNIVERSIDAD DE MANILA
College of Business Administration
659-A Cecilia Muñoz St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

Basketry and Weaving – The Ilongots are skilled in rattan


basket weaving, mats, and handicrafts for day-to-day
life. Ex. of crafts is the Pasiking (Backpack-style
basket) is typically made from woven rattan and features
a waterproof covering made from natural fibers. This
design allows it to serve multiple purposes, such as
carrying goods and equipment.

Weapon-Making and Metalwork - As a former warrior


society, the Ilongot were known for crafting sharp
weapons. They created bolos (large knives), spears, and
arrows used for hunting and past headhunting practices.
Headdresses and Feather Adornments - The most famous
Ilongot craft is their feathered headdresses, worn by
warriors. These headdresses were made from eagle or hornbill
feathers and symbolized bravery and leadership.

7. Social Issues
Loss of Indigenous Identity – Modernization has led the
younger generation away from their traditions and
languages.

Land Displacement – like many indigenous groups, the


Ilongot face land conflicts due to logging, mining, and
agricultural expansion. Some communities have been forced
to relocate or have lost their ancestral lands.

Poverty and Education – Many Ilongot communities have


limited access to education, healthcare, and economic
opportunities.

Religious and Cultural Changes - The spread of


Christianity and modern education has significantly
altered traditional Ilongot beliefs. Some elders express
concern that younger generations are abandoning ancestral
rituals and customs.

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