Ka-Igorotan: Melting pot of diverse cultures

Have you ever visited the northern part of Luzon and encountered the indigenous people known as Igorots? Perhaps you've heard the common stereotypes associated with them, such as having dark skin, curly hair, or even long tails. But to reduce the Igorots to mere physical characteristics is to overlook their rich culture and history.

The Igorots are a group of indigenous peoples in the Philippines who reside primarily in the Cordillera Administrative Region of Luzon. The term "Igorot" comes from the Tagalog word "igorot" which means "mountaineer". They are known for their unique culture and customs, which have been shaped by their environment and history.

The people from the mountains have a rich oral tradition, which includes epics, myths, and legends. These stories are passed down from generation to generation and are an important part of their culture. They are animists, which means they believe that all things have a spirit. They have a complex belief system that includes the worship of ancestral spirits and nature spirits.

The Igorots are a diverse group of people who share many cultural similarities but also have distinct differences based on their location and history. There are six main groups of Igorots: the Bontoc, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Benguet, and the Ibaloy.

The Bontoc people are known for their complex weaving techniques, which produce intricate patterns on their clothing and blankets. They are also famous for their rice terraces, which are presented in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Ifugao people are famous for their rice terraces, which are considered a wonder of the world. The Ifugao are also known for their mumbaki or religious leaders, who conduct rituals for important events such as weddings, funerals, and harvests.

The Kalinga people are known for their traditional tattooing, which is done using thorns and charcoal, their oldest tattoo artist is Apo Whang-od. They are also famous for their fierce warriors, who have a history of resisting colonialism and oppression. The Apayao people are known for their handicrafts, particularly their baskets made from bamboo and rattan. They are also skilled farmers and hunters.

The Benguet people are known for their mining skills, particularly in gold mining. They are also skilled in agriculture and have a rich culinary culture.

The Ibaloy people are known for their skill in metalworking, particularly in iron and copper. They are also skilled farmers and hunters.

One more thing, the Igorots practice a system called "pakipat" which involves mutual cooperation and assistance among members of the community. They also have a unique form of music and dance, which includes the gong ensemble and the tayaw dance. The gong ensemble is a group of musicians who play a set of gongs and drums, while the tayaw dance is a courtship dance that involves intricate footwork and hand gestures.

“The Igorot people are known to be resilient, self-sustaining, villageoriented, and we are used to simple living,” said Mark Santiago.

The Igorots are indeed known to have a large identity and pride in their culture; however, the area has also been a hub for trade and commerce, bringing people from different parts of the country and even abroad, resulting in a blending of different cultures.

People from the mountains fight the struggles they faced to maintain their traditions and customs in the face of modernization and globalization. Moreover, Igorots have a strong sense of community and cooperation, considering they have a long history of resistance against colonialism and oppression. They fought against the Spanish, American, and Japanese colonizers who attempted to conquer their land and culture.

They have faced discrimination and prejudice in the Philippines, particularly in the past. They have been stereotyped as primitive and uncivilized, and have been marginalized in society. However, the Igorots have made significant contributions to Philippine society, particularly in the fields of agriculture, mining, and handicrafts. They have also contributed to the country's cultural heritage through their music, dance, and art.

So the next time you think of the Igorots, remember that they are more than just their physical characteristics. They are a rich and diverse group of indigenous peoples with a unique culture and history that deserves recognition and respect.