Social Classifications in Ancient Philippines

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Questions and Answers

What is the importance of classifying Filipinos according to their social class?

They were classified into social classes which served as bases of their function and role in society, thus maintaining order in the community.

What is Baybayin?

The system of writing they developed before Spaniards arrived.

What is Animism?

The kind of religion they were practicing during ancient times.

What historical event occurred in 1280 pertaining to Islam?

Islam started to spread in Sulu. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the first shelters for ancient Filipinos?

Cave. Signup and view all the answers

Why was there a need for farmers to leave their farms and return later?

They left the land if it was not suitable for farming anymore and came back later to let the land rejuvenate. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Batalan?

The extension of their house connected to the kitchen, where they wash their dishes or store cooking utensils. Signup and view all the answers

What were the social classes in Luzon and Visayas?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Who is William Henry Scott?

A scholar who claimed that Filipinos were classified according to social classes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the qualifications in choosing a leader among early Filipinos?

Bravery and wealth. Signup and view all the answers

How was bravery measured in Cagayan?

By the number of enemies one had beheaded. Signup and view all the answers

In Tagalog and Visayan, how was bravery measured?

Through engagement in inter-island and international trading. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Datu?

A leader in Tagalog and Visayan societies who settled disputes and led during wars. Signup and view all the answers

How was a Datu's wealth measured?

By the quality of gold he possessed and the number of slaves. Signup and view all the answers

What does Maginoo represent?

The noble class in society. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Maharlika play?

Class of warriors who helped the Datu maintain peace and order. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bayani refer to?

Military leaders in Tagalog. Signup and view all the answers

How did they honor their heroes?

By holding celebrations and crowning them with gold-covered carabao horn. Signup and view all the answers

What are the trademarks of warriors in Visayans?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is Timawa?

Free people who paid tribute to the Datu, involved in various economic activities. Signup and view all the answers

What were the duties of Timawa?

Help the Datu, fish, hunt, build houses, prepare for feasts, and taste wine. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lowest class in the society referred to as?

Alipin Signup and view all the answers

What does Alipin mean?

Slave in Tagalog. Signup and view all the answers

What does Oripun mean?

Slave in Visayans. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three kinds of slaves in Visayans?

Ayuey, among others. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social classes structured ancient Filipino society, defining individual roles and functions.
Classifications maintained community order and facilitated social interaction.

Baybayin

A pre-colonial writing system developed by Filipinos before the Spanish arrival.

Religions

Animism was the prevalent belief system during ancient times.

Islam in the Philippines

Spread of Islam in Sulu began in 1280.

Shelter

Caves served as initial shelters, protecting ancient Filipinos from wild animals and extreme weather.

Agriculture Practices

Farmers temporarily abandoned land unfit for cultivation to allow rejuvenation, returning after a year.

Batalan

An area connected to the kitchen for washing dishes and storing kitchen utensils.

Highest Class:
- Tagalog: Maginoo
- Visayas: Datu
Second Class:
- Tagalog: Maharlika
- Visayas: Timawa
Bottom Class: Alipin

William Henry Scott noted that a social hierarchy existed among Tagalogs and Visayans.

Leadership Qualifications

Early Filipino leaders were primarily chosen based on bravery and wealth.

Measuring Bravery in Cagayan

In Cagayan, bravery was quantified by the number of enemies beheaded.

Bravery in Trade

Engaging in trade demonstrated courage against natural and human threats, leading to wealth and power.

Role of Datu

Datus acted as political leaders, dispute settlers, and protectors during conflicts.

Measuring Datu's Wealth

A datu's wealth was assessed by the quality of gold and number of slaves owned.

Maginoo

Refers to the noble class within society.

Maharlika

Class of warriors who defended barangays and were exempt from tribute to the datu.

Recognition of Heroes

Heroes were honored with celebrations, receiving gold-covered carabao horn as a sign of appreciation.

Warrior Identification

Visayan warriors were distinguished by tattoos, while Tagalog leaders adorned a red putong.

Timawa Class

Free individuals paying tribute to the datu and engaged in various trades such as farming, fishing, and weaving.

Duties of Timawa

Responsibilities included aiding the datu in agriculture, accompanying him in expeditions, and mediating marriages.

Slave Class

The lowest social class in ancient Filipino society.

Terminology for Slaves

Alipin is the Tagalog term for slaves, while Oripun is used in Visayas.

Types of Slaves in Visayas

Notable example includes the Ayuey, among potentially other classifications.

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Description

Explore the social structures that defined ancient Filipino society, including social classes, belief systems, and early agricultural practices. This quiz covers various aspects such as the Baybayin writing system, the spread of Islam, and shelter types used by early Filipinos.