Who are the Igorots?

The Igorots are a very distinct group of people, a tribe who originate from the Northern provinces of the
Philippine archipelago. The word, Igorot in Tagalog means mountain people. For a long time now, this
term has been tacitly used in a derogatory sense. It signifies that the Igorots were a backward tribe who
couldn't contribute any technological innovations to society (Fallon).

So what?

These natives are important because they comprise a part of the rich Filipino culture. This site aims to
preserve the culture of this tribe through the amalgamation of key information such as the Igorot
culture, cuisine, dance, and even the latest social and political issues that have wider implications to the
Philippine society. Through this website, I hope to spread awareness on social, political and economic
issues. One key issue being brought up is the displacement of these people. As huge Philippine
corporations begin to reclaim lands, the Igorots are left displaced.

The Igorots originate from six key areas

Abra

Apayao

Benguet

Kalinga

Ifugao

Baguio

What are the distinctive features of the Igorots?

The Igorots are tied together by a similar set of cultural practices and beliefs. They highly value nature
and they believe that their gods reside in objects such as "trees and in the mountains" (Jernegan,42).
Another distinguishing feature of the Igorot tribe from Northern Luzon are their vibrant pieces of
clothing. Their headpieces are composed of feathers and they often take with them ornate pieces of
wooden weaponry.

PEOPLE OF THE MOUNTAINS – IGOROTS OF THE CORDILLERAS

Cordillera Mountains, Luzon, Philippines

Three weeks in the Cordilleras of Luzon and I feel like I have only scratched the surface of experiencing
the rich cultures that make up the Igorot people. This is a common trend I have experienced while
working on the Katutubong Filipino Project and one reason I hope to extended the project longer term,
perhaps for another three years. More time is needed. This is especially true when trying to tell the story
of the Igorot people who live in six different provinces with over 20 tribes all speaking different
languages, practicing different rituals, and have different beliefs and cultures. Visiting the Cordilleras
was like stepping into another country for me, a drastic change in geography and people’s general
positive outlook and attitude toward their own way of life. Although I wasn’t able to visit all six
provinces that make up the Cordilleras, this trip did provide as an excellent introduction to the area and
whetted my appetite to learn and experience more on a return trip.

Butbut Kalinga Woman

A Butbut Kalinga Woman looking out of her window one afternoon after inviting us into her home. The
tattoos on her arms are used as a form of beautification and identity which is specific to certain Kalinga
tribes.

Cordillera Mountains in Luzon

The majestic Cordillera mountains with clouds setting in, Abra Province.

From a historical standpoint, the people of the Cordilleras were never a united people and still to this
day there are peace pacts in place to keep order among many of the tribes. The term Igorot is an old
Tagalog word meaning “people from the mountains” and is a general term used to include all of the
mountain tribes from the Cordilleras. The Spanish adopted this term, but it was generally used in a
negative manner referring to savages and backward people of the mountains. However, the Spanish
themselves were never able to fully penetrate the Cordilleras during their 300 year colonial period in the
Philippines and thus had very little influence on the Igorot people and their way of life. Part of this was
likely due to the rugged terrain of the area but also because of the fierce nature of the people, who
would not surrender easily to outsiders. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s when the American Episcopal
church came into some areas of the Cordilleras and people started to convert to Christianity and get
formal education.

Today, the term Igorot is often debated among the people of the Cordilleras as to what the politically
correct use should be. Many groups now proudly proclaim themselves as Igorots while other tribes still
prefer to be called by their more specific tribal names. After three weeks in the area and hearing time
and time again people referring to themselves as Igorots I never got the feeling that it is a negative term
to use. I refer to the Igorot people in the most honorable and respectful manner.

Lakay Lausan - Tingguian Man