Pre-Colonial Period in the Philippines

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of elevated floors in the Bahay Kubo?

To promote ventilation

To provide additional living space

To protect against flooding and pests (correct)

To enhance aesthetic appeal

What materials are commonly used for the roof of a Bahay Kubo?

Thatch made from nipa palm or cogon grass (correct)

Concrete and tiles

Bamboo and palm leaves

Wood and metal sheets

In what era did the Bahay Kubo become associated with Filipino culture?

Hispanic era

Pre-Hispanic era (correct)

Colonial era

Modern era

What aspect of the Bahay Kubo’s design reflects Filipino cultural values?

Simplicity and functionality Signup and view all the answers

What climatic conditions does the Bahay Kubo's design specifically address?

Tropical storms and heat Signup and view all the answers

Which god among the following is considered the supreme god in Tagalog culture?

Bathala Signup and view all the answers

What writing system was widely used in the Philippines before Spanish colonization?

Baybayin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reflects the clothing styles of the Igorot people?

G-strings and woven skirts Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the term 'baybay' from which Baybayin derives its name?

Spell Signup and view all the answers

In Tagalog beliefs, which deity is associated with agriculture?

Laon Signup and view all the answers

Which garment is commonly associated with the Tausug and Maranao people?

Malong Signup and view all the answers

What was the social system in many parts of the Philippines before Spanish colonization?

Semicommunal and semislave Signup and view all the answers

Which natural entity was worshipped by the Tagalog people as part of their animistic beliefs?

Moon, stars, and mountains Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary political and economic unit in pre-colonial Philippines?

Barangay Signup and view all the answers

Which social class in pre-colonial Philippines owned land privately and held significant influence?

Petty nobility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights did women have in pre-colonial Philippines?

Could hold leadership roles Signup and view all the answers

What practice involved a suitor serving the woman's family to demonstrate worthiness in pre-colonial marriage customs?

Paninilbihan Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the babaylan in marriage ceremonies?

Spiritual leader overseeing rituals Signup and view all the answers

In the pre-colonial social hierarchy, who were the commoners that had some degree of freedom and land access?

Timawas Signup and view all the answers

What was the term for a dowry given by the groom's family in pre-colonial Philippine marriage customs?

Bigay-kaya Signup and view all the answers

How did the social system in pre-colonial Philippines reflect the status of women?

Women could lead as chiefs and own property. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary basis of the pre-colonial Filipino economy?

Agriculture focusing on rice Signup and view all the answers

Which group of early Filipinos is known for their skills in hunting and gathering?

Negritos Signup and view all the answers

What type of farming was practiced in upland areas of the Philippines during the pre-colonial period?

Kaingin or slash-and-burn farming Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a component of pre-colonial Filipino culture?

Modern education systems Signup and view all the answers

How did early Filipinos primarily engage in trade?

By exchanging local products for luxury goods Signup and view all the answers

What belief system characterized the indigenous spiritual traditions of pre-colonial Filipinos?

Animism and belief in spirits Signup and view all the answers

Which of these crops was commonly cultivated by land-based communities in the pre-colonial Philippines?

Rice Signup and view all the answers

What significant technological advancement did the Austronesians introduce to the pre-colonial Philippines?

Advanced boat building Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Early Filipino culture influenced by migrations over 15,000 to 30,000 years ago by Negritos as skilled hunters and gatherers.
Proto-Malays (Austronesians) introduced seafaring, farming, and fire-making by 2500 BC.
Advanced techniques in boat building and metallurgy emerged through subsequent migrations.
By the 15th century, agriculture, mining, fishing, and pottery were developed industries reflecting strong cultural ties with Asia.

Economy and Trade

Pre-colonial economy mainly agriculture-based with rice as the staple crop.
Communities cultivated root crops and fruits; practiced kaingin (slash-and-burn farming).
Fishing and hunting were essential, particularly in coastal and forested areas.
Extensive trade networks established with regions including China and Southeast Asia, trading local products for luxury goods.
Community livelihood heavily reliant on natural resources, fostering vibrant social and cultural growth.

Culture

Indigenous spiritual traditions were animistic, believing in spirits and supernatural entities.
The Tagalog worshipped multiple deities, including Bathala (supreme god) and Laon (god of agriculture).
Worship was also directed at natural entities reflecting deep-rooted beliefs in animism.
Diverse practices among ethnic groups included roles for babaylans (shamans) and beliefs in mythical creatures.

Clothing

Clothing styles varied greatly across the archipelago, influenced by regional cultures and climates.
Tagalog and Visayan women wore baro’t saya; men in these regions typically wore the baro and bahag.
Igorot men used g-strings; women wore woven skirts; Tausug and Maranao favored malong and elaborate headpieces.
Clothing made from locally available materials featured intricate designs reflecting cultural identity.

Writing System

Baybayin, a pre-colonial writing system, was prevalent across the islands before Spanish arrival.
The term Baybayin means “to spell,” comprised of three vowels and 14 consonants.
Often mistakenly referred to as Alibata, which is incorrect.

Pre-colonial Philippines had a semicommunal and semislave system, with a feudal structure in Mindanao and Sulu.
Barangay: basic political and economic unit led by a chief (rajah or datu).
Social hierarchy: petty nobility owned land, maharlikas were landholders, timawas (commoners) had limited freedom, while alipin (serfs/slaves) worked without returns, often limited by inherited status.

Status of Women

Women enjoyed significant rights, held leadership positions like babaylans and sometimes datu.
They had property ownership, trading rights, and personal autonomy in relationships and marriage.

Marriage Customs

Traditional courtship involved "paninilbihan," where suitors served women's families, demonstrating dedication.
Dowry (bigay-kaya) was given to symbolize the groom’s capability to support.
Marriages involved community participation, rituals led by babaylans, celebrating family and communal unity.

Pre-Colonial House

Bahay Kubo, or Nipa Hut, served as a traditional dwelling, well-adapted to the tropical climate.
Features elevated floors for flood protection and roofs made from nipa palm or cogon grass for ventilation.
Its design represents a blend of practical needs and cultural values.

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Description

Explore the rich history and advanced culture of early Filipinos in this insightful quiz. Discover how various waves of migration shaped the lives of the Negritos and Proto-Malays. Test your knowledge on the origins and technological advancements of the pre-colonial era.