Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 5, 2025
He fails to designate the section from which the information was gathered, but its similarity to Bagobo and Guianga makes it probable that the account comes from the Ata dwelling near those people. Considerable variation will doubtless be found in other districts.
The claims of leadership over all the Bagobo had never been relinquished, but the actual power of the datu outside his own district amounted to little. Tongkaling soon established his right to the name of a great warrior, and his people so prospered under his rule that upon the advent of the Americans he was much the most powerful among the several chiefs.
The most important thing in the life of the Bagobo is the care of the rice, for on this crop he depends for the greater part of his food supply, and by its condition he can ascertain with what favor he is looked upon by the spirits. So closely is the cultivation of this cereal coupled with the religious beliefs that it is necessary, in this relation, to describe the ceremonies connected with it.
Another difference is noticed following the death of a warrior. His knife lies in its sheath beside the body for seven days and during that time can only be drawn if it is to be used in sacrificing a slave. If such an offering is made it is carried out in much the same way as the Bagobo sacrifice, except that the bereaved father, son, or brother cuts the body in halves.
Individuals are met with who exhibit many of the physical characteristics of the Negrito; while still others, both in color and facial lines, are comparable to the Chinese. Pygmy blacks of the Philippines. No wild tribe in the Islands gives more attention to dress than does the Bagobo.
During ceremonies and at festivals a fermented drink made of sugar cane is served, and in anticipation of its pleasurable effects the Bagobo is willing to expend a considerable amount of effort. The cane is placed in the groove and the operator bears his weight on the lever, thus squeezing out the juice.
As their accounts agree in most particulars with the two just recorded, it seems probable that we have here a fairly accurate account of a rite which no white man has seen or can hope to see. In studying the decorative art of this people a person encounters the same difficulties as with the Bagobo. Many designs are readily identified as men and alligators.
The greatest of all Bagobo ceremonies the GinEm may be given by the datu within three or four months after the appearance of the constellation Balatik, when the moon is new or full.
Baloey, a Kagan living at Padada, claims to have seen a Bila-an sacrifice at Ma-al, about ten years ago, while Bagobo Datu Ansig of Talun, and Tongkaling of Cibolan claim to have witnessed several of these events.
They have intermarried to some extent with the Kulaman, and in times past Bila-an and Bagobo slave women have been added to the tribe. The general name applied to red cotton trade cloth. Today practically all the members of the Kagan division are found living on the American plantations along the Padada and Bulatakay rivers.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking