[Paper] Takba: Culture, History and the Sacred in a Basket by Roland Erwin P. Rabang

📖 Takba: Culture, History, and the Sacred in a Basket

✍️ Roland Erwin P. Rabang

*Published in "The Cordillera Review: Journal of Philippine Culture and Society"; Volume VI, Number 2, September 2016

ABSTRACT: 

"The takba is a ubiquitous object used during rituals such as the begnas and the dangtey both held in Sagada, Mt. Province. No different from the sangi or pasiking, it is a woven pack basket for general utility, a kind of “carry-all” container. It is when used in rituals that the object becomes the takba. It is transformed into a representation of a family’s adherence to the beliefs and practices of the community and their commitment to observe and perpetuate a “way of life” through the transference of this local knowledge to fitting members of the family. Thus, from a utilitarian perspective, the takba, transformed in rituals, assumes requisite characteristics such as: (1) it has been a part of the family for generations, thus becoming an heirloom or even a family legacy; (2) the family takba is utilized as a receptacle for ritual offerings and sacrifices (tapey and etag) to specific pinteng or spirits of firewood, water, or war-fare; and (3) the families who are owners of the takba are members of a dap-ay (council). When a dap-ay hosts a community ritual such as the begnas, the member families will bring with them their takba (which will remain in the dap-ay for the duration of the ritual) because it is an integral component of the renewal of the families’ and the community’s relationship with the spirits, as manifested in prayers (sabusab, palls, sus-uwa) uttered by elders of the community. These prayers recall the myths transferred through generations by way of oral tradition. This paper will look into the relevance of the takba in the community’s world views and values, as an object embodied in these myths."

P.S. - To find full paper/document, Google the title of the paper.

Mountain Camping in Kabayan, Benguet

Somewhere in Kabayan; sometime in a distant past. First camping trip to the Benguet town that describes itself as "mystical". 

And if you've seen its mossy forests, mountain lakes, and diverse flora/fauna, you would agree. 

Why I Censor Photos of Igorot Women I Post on Facebook

When I post historical photos or illustrations featuring Igorot women in states of undress, I censor/cover them. I also often get comments and messages from readers calling me out for doing it. Like the one I included in this post. I've received a good number of these comments/messages so I think it merits a public explanation. 

First of all, I agree with the readers who keep on calling me out on this. They are right. I shouldn't be censoring or covering these for the reasons they mention. 

My explanation is simple: I'm only adhering to Facebook's rules and policies. If Facebook allows me to post these photos uncensored, I'll do it. But that's not the case. 

In the past, I've posted photos like these uncensored. But Facebook keeps flagging and penalizing my page for it. When this happens, the post gets deleted. Also, they decrease the reach of the page. I already incurred several strikes from them. Who knows, they might delete this page altogether if I keep breaking their rules. 

This is the only reason why I censor photos I post here. It's to play by the rules of the platform. There is no intention to desecrate or disrespect a people or a culture. 

Here's an analogy. You are free to post undressed photos of yourself on Facebook. But Facebook has rules and policies against it. They'll flag you, suspend you, or even ban you altogether. 

That's the harsh reality. We all have ideals and principles we want to adhere to. But at the end of the day, Facebook has rules and policies. If we want to use their platform, we have to follow their rules.

Why Do Igorots Display Carabao Horns in Their Houses

This is a common sight in houses within the Cordillera region especially in more rural communities. These are the horns of the Asian water buffalo (𝘉𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘴) or carabao. This beast of burden is called 𝗻𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗴 in the local language. Horns are called 𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗴𝘂𝗱. These terms vary depending on the province/municipality you are in.

In the past, these horns on display can symbolize a lot of things. They can symbolize the house owner's social status, wealth, or leadership profile within the community. 

For some Cordilleran communities, carabaos are the preferred animals to be butchered in events like weddings and community feasts.

Once, during a hike in Kalinga, I asked a local man on the significance of the horns displayed on his house. I asked him in jest if he's the richest man in the village since he seems to have the most horns. He answered that he's not rich. He said he has many carabao horns because he married off three sons. So the horns were accumulated from three wedding feasts. 

Many of these carabao horns are used purely for aesthetic reasons these days. You can see them now on display in restaurants, coffee cafes, in the bumpers of cars, etc. 

📷 Joshua Jiggs; Photo taken in Belwang, Sadanga

Macli-ing Dulag's Name at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Monument

Macliing Dulag's name is one of the 332 names etched into the black granite wall of remembrance at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani monument in Quezon City.

Dulag was a "pangat" (community leader) of the Butbut people in Kalinga. He played a prominent role in the people's opposition against the Chico River Dam Project in the 1970s. He was assassinated by state forces on April 24, 1980 in Bugnay, Tinglayan.

The Ancient Ibaloys and Kankana-eys in Benguet Used to Practice Tattooing

When the topic of traditional tattooing is on the table, we often immediately think about Kalinga and Mountain Province. We rarely associate tattoos with Benguet and the indigenous peoples within it - the Ibaloys, and the Kalanguyas, and the Karaos, and the Kankana-eys. 

However, evidence shows that tattooing was also practiced in Benguet by our ancestors. The heavily-tattooed ancient mummies found in various caves in the province drive this fact home. 

The infographic here is from an exhibit at the Museo Kordilyera many years ago. I think it was 2018. 

The text:

"Burik refers to the tattoos worn by the indigenous Ibaloy and Kankana-ey in Benguet. The term burik refers to a person who is "tattooed all over the body". Remarkably, the most enduring evidence of this practice in the Philippines is the remnants of tattoos found on mummies of Benguet dating from the 13th century A.D. Although the practice of full-body tattooing and mummification is now extinct, tattoos found on the mummies serve as a visual and material record of an ancient tattooing tradition.

The tattoos of Ibaloy men of the historic period were characterized by geometric and figurative designs on the chest, back, and sides of the stomach, buttocks, arms, shoulders, hands, finger, neck, throat, face and legs. The figurative designs included centipedes (kamajan), snakes (oleg), lizards (batingal, karat), dog (aso), and deer (olsa). These life forms were considered to be omen creatures and also perhaps symbolic representations of gods or their earthly messengers. The sun (akew) and certain plant forms were also employed as tattoo patterns."

How Camp John Hay Fast-Tracked Baguio City's Transformation Into An Urban Center

Camp John Hay - This place played a pivotal role in Baguio's transition from a peaceful Ibaloi farmland and pastureland to a teeming urban center.

Camp John Hay was established as a military reservation for American soldiers and personnel who were looking for an escape from the hot weather of the lowlands. They found the respite they needed in Baguio's cool weather and tranquil surroundings.

This kicked off an economy and attracted various industries to set up shop in Baguio. The place grew and turned into the urban center that we know today.