Philippine Caves and Archaeology

Tabon Caves

• Site of the discovery of Tabon Man, one of the oldest human remains in the Philippines, found in 1962.
• Excavated remains stored onsite for further examination.

Duyong Cave

• Located on the southwest coast of Palawan Island.
• Home to the earliest intact burial in the Philippines, dating between 300-500 B.C.
• Excavation revealed a flexed 179 cm skeleton along with bronze tools, glass and gold beads, shell adzes, and nut-chewing paraphernalia.

Tau’t-Batu Cave

• Habitat of the Tau't Batu tribe, the last discovered tribe in the Philippines.
• Situated in Singnapan Valley, southern Palawan.
• Tribe beliefs include fear of thunder and the existence of forest, rock, and water spirits.

Callao Cave

• Located in Peñablanca, Cagayan province, features seven chambers.
• One of 300 caves used for tourism, named for its white limestone rocks.
• Fossilized remains of Callao Man, including a 61-mm metatarsal, discovered in 2007, estimated to be 67,000 years old.

Lean-To Shelter

• Simple structure designed as an extension of an existing building or a free-standing shelter.
• Combines roof and wall elements to protect against rain and sun.
• Portable and can be easily relocated or abandoned for new construction.

Pre-Spanish Architecture of Luzon

• Decorative elements include carabao skulls and pig jaws symbolizing status and appeasing deities.
• Ambubulan figures used on roofs for protection against evil spirits.

Isneg/Apayao

• Inhabit mountainous regions of Apayao and the Northern Cordillera.
• Houses feature pyramidal or hipped roofs, raising approximately 1.50 meters above ground.
• Structure consists of three distinct levels - Datag, Ramuyon, and Tarakip.

Kalinga

• Located on steep Cordillera slopes, houses can be rectangular or octagonal.
• The elevated fireplace is positioned inside the binayon house with removable reed mat flooring.
• Supported by 12 posts for stability and includes attic space for granary use.

Bontoc

• Square plan accommodating various activities, including residential and agricultural storage.
• Features include a fireplace, rice threshing room, kitchen, and a sleeping area with wooden flooring.

Samal

• Coastal structures built on stilts above water, made of bamboo and wooden boards.
• Walls constructed from woven coconut palms or wooden boards, providing natural ventilation.

Tausug

• Traditional houses located in coastal waters, with various components like sleeping quarters, kitchens, and open family areas.
• The structure features decorative wood carvings and elevated platforms for living space.

T'Boli

• Elevated houses on stilts, featuring multiple levels and areas for guests, family activities, and rituals.
• Built mainly from bamboo with functional designs for cooking and sleeping arrangements.

Yakan

• Structures elevated 2 to 3 meters above the ground, consisting of a single rectangular room.
• The design serves multiple family needs, including cooking, dining, and entertainment, using durable wood and bamboo materials.