Peopling the Philippines: Austronesian Migration Quiz

Peopling the Philippines: Debunking What We Know Regarding Austronesians

• Early Theories: Dr. Henry Otley Beyer, an American historical anthropologist, proposed theories rooted in colonial thinking which incorrectly suggested the Philippines was populated by Negritos, Indones, then Malays. He believed that the Negritos arrived first in 8000 BC, followed by the Indones in 5000 BC, and lastly the Malays in 3000 BC. These classifications were inaccurate and had racially charged connotations.
• Core Population Theory: Peter Bellwood and Dr. Wilhelm Solheim II developed a more accurate theory about the Austronesian migration, based on the observation of tools, transportation methods, and language. They argued that the Austronesian populations were not a single group but rather a diverse set of people who migrated from Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• Austronesian Expansion: The Austronesian people, who arrived in the Philippines around 400 BC to 1000 AD, were exceptionally diverse and had a unique cultural and linguistic connection. They undertook an extensive migration pattern unlike any other in human history.
• Categories of Austronesian Groups: These people were categorized based on their agricultural techniques and location.

  Sawah and Swidden

  • Sawah Agriculture: Water-based agriculture practices, primarily used by settled communities and near water sources.
  • Swidden Agriculture: Burning-based agriculture practiced by nomadic groups.
  • Sailud and Saraya: These groups lived near water and used agriculture.
    • Sailud: Predominantly located near riverbeds.
    • Saraya: Located closer to beach fronts.
• Austronesian Livelihood: The Austronesian people relied heavily on agriculture and trade.
  • Farming: Farmed loam soils in areas with favorable irrigation.
  • Trade: Exchanged resources between different communities.
  • Western Misconception: Western historical-anthropologists believed that Austronesian groups were constantly at war with each other. However, trade disputes were a primary factor in their conflicts.
• Terraces: The oldest terraces discovered in Chiang Mai, Thailand date back to 800 BC. In the Philippines, terraces, spanning 2200 miles long, were constructed between 800 BC and 800 AD.
• Austronesian Boats and Transportation: Austronesian people used different types of boats based on their geographical location and purpose.
  • Oceanic Boats: Used for navigating open waters, including the Caracoa, Lanong/Lanung, and Balanghai.
  • Littoral Boats: Used for coastal navigation, such as the Prahu, Paraw, and Vinta.
  • Riverine Boats: Primarily used for transportation on rivers, like the Baroto and Panco.

Barangay

• Definition: A communal unit where resources and responsibilities were shared.
• Leadership: Headed by a Datu, Lakan, or Rajah, who was chosen by the Lalakay (Council of Elders). This position was not hereditary or permanent.
• Origins: The name "barangay" is believed to have originated from the "Balanghai," a 60-80 foot oceanic boat used for defense.

Social Classes

• Maharlika: Upper class, associated with the Datu, could be demoted to Alipin if they incurred significant debt.
• Timawa: Middle class, could be freed from Alipin status by paying their dues or saving the barangay.
• Alipin: Lower class, divided into two groups:
  • Namamahay: People who paid dues to their masters.
  • Saguiguilid: Prisoners of war.
• Umalohokan: Served as village criers because of the size of suprabarangay.

Laguna Copperplate Inscription (LCI)

• Oldest Written Document: Translated by Dr. Antoon Postma and discovered by treasure hunters.
• Social Mobility: Illustrates the concept of social mobility in Austronesian society, where individuals could change their social standing, as seen in the case of a Maharlika who became an Alipin but later returned to the Maharlika class.
• Borderlessness of State: The LCI demonstrates the absence of a centralized state during the early Austronesian period.

Religious Leaders

• Catalonan: Head of the Babaylan and had final say on the state of the region or environment.
• Babaylan: Communicated with their environment and were believed to have a supernatural connection, often acting as seers.
• Manang Bale: Lowest level of Babaylan, composed of men who chose to avoid war.

Muslim in the Philippines: The Sultanate

• Origin and Spread of Islam: Introduced in the 1280s by Tuan Mashaika, a Mashayikh clan trader, through trade routes. It spread rapidly through the Datus, establishing a hierarchy of power.
• Establishment of the Sultanate: Founded by Sharif ul Hashim (Abu Bak’r) in 1405. His marriage to Rajah Baguinda’s daughter helped solidify his power.
• Feudal System: Abu Bak’r adopted a feudal system, similar to monarchies, where power was concentrated in the hands of the Sultan.

Islamic Government

• Q’adi: Judges who interpret and apply Shariah law, equivalent to Muslim bishops.
• Imam: Muslim missionaries who lead mosques, disseminate Islamic beliefs, and teach at the Madrasah (Islamic school).
• Alim: Learned scholars of Islamic doctrines.
• Muezzin: Calls the Adhan (call to prayer) from the Minaret.

Islamic Doctrine

• Quran/Koran: Central holy text of Islam.
• Adat: Cultural and regional traditions of Muslims.

The Sultanate

• Feudal Structure: A feudal system ruled by the Sultan.
• Power Based on Warriors: A Sultan’s power was measured by the number of warriors protecting his territory, leading to practices like pangangayaw.
• Pangangayaw: Raids on Tausug territories by the Sultanate to expand its forces and community.

Sultanate Classes

• Raja Muda: The heir to the Sultan’s throne, indicating a transferable position.
• Alimudin: Most powerful members of the Sultanate, who often usurped power, such as killing their fathers to assume leadership.
• Ruma Bichara: Council of elders led by the Raja Muda, holding significant political power.
• Military Leaders:
  • Raja Laut: Head of the navy.
  • Datu Temenggong: Head of the land army.
  • Datu Shahbandar: Portmaster general and tax collector.
  • Datu Bendahara: Police officer and local governor.
  • Panglima: Governors during peacetime and generals during war.
• Datu: Lowest political class, comprising former Datus who converted to Islam.

Islamic Tribes of the Philippines

• Tausug: Warriors skilled in sea warfare, primarily residing on Sulu Island. They were the first to embrace Islam and led the pangangayaw using Caracoa boats.
• Maranao: Traders known for their sailud agriculture, primarily located near lakes in Lanao.
• Maguindanaoan: Skilled farmers who lived on flat lands and centered their politics in Buluan.
• Iranun: Skilled craftsmen, particularly in creating weaponry.
• Samal Balangingi: Known as skilled mariners and navigators, often participating in pangangayaw, particularly James Warren, a renowned navigator who used lightning for navigation.

The Outcaste (Pariah)

• Badjao: Displaced and marginalized by Abu Bak’r for refusing to convert to Islam. They were not trusted by the Tausug and faced disrespect from Abu Bak’r.
• Other Pariahs: Lived in caves, forests, and mountains.