Precolonial Philippine Society Reviewer PDF

**GED0107** **Readings in Philippine History** **Precolonial Era Reviewer** **Barangay** - Derived from the word balangay, which refers to a type of traditional plank boat used by early Filipinos. - These boats were integral to the lives of early settlers, serving as vessels for fis...

**GED0107** **Readings in Philippine History** **Precolonial Era Reviewer** **Barangay** - Derived from the word balangay, which refers to a type of traditional plank boat used by early Filipinos. - These boats were integral to the lives of early settlers, serving as vessels for fishing, trade, travel, and even warfare. **[Social Hierarchy]** **The Datu: Leaders and Rulers** - The datu was the chief or leader of the barangay, holding the highest position in the social hierarchy. - The datu\'s primary role was to govern and protect the community. - They were responsible for: Leadership, Defense, Trade and Diplomacy, Justice **The Timawa: Free People** - The timawa were the free, non-elite members of society. - They were not bound to serve others, unlike the alipin, and instead served as commoners or warriors. - Their roles included: Warriors, Farmers and Fishermen, Tributes and Labor **The Alipin: Servants and Enslaved Individuals** - The alipin were the lowest rank in the social hierarchy and were often servants or enslaved individuals. - Roles of the alipins: domestic service, agricultural labor, assisting in community projects **Two main types of Alipin:** - **Aliping namamahay** - these were household servants who lived independently and had more freedom. They were typically indebted individuals or those who lost status but retained some rights. - **Aliping sagigilid** - these were servants who lived in the master\'s house and had fewer freedoms, often working under stricter conditions. **[Indigenous Traditions]: Festivals** - Vibrant celebrations that brought the community together. - These events often revolved around harvests, religious rituals, or significant life events such as weddings or births. - They were marked by feasting, music, dancing, and storytelling, serving both as a form of entertainment and as a way to honor deities or ancestors. **[Family Roles and Responsibilities]** **Family** - was the basic unit of society, and each member had specific roles that contributed to the household and the community - **Men** - typically served as hunters, fishermen, or warriors, providing food and protection for the family. - **Women** - played crucial roles as caregivers, weavers, and agricultural workers. They were also involved in trade and sometimes held leadership roles in the absence of male leaders. - **Children** - learned skills and values from their elders through observation and participation in daily tasks. **[Importance of Community]** **Bayanihan Spirit** - this Filipino value of communal unity and cooperation was evident in activities like building houses (bayanihan), where neighbors would come together to help a family move their home. **Shared Resources** - land and resources were often managed collectively, ensuring that everyone in the barangay had access to what they needed. **Oral traditions** - Were the primary means of preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge, values, and history. - These included stories, songs, proverbs, and epics, which were passed down from generation to generation. **[Trade and Economy]** **[Trade with China]** Chinese historical records, especially from the Song (960--1279) and Ming (1368--1644) Dynasties, provide rich accounts of Filipino rulers engaging in trade missions to the bustling ports of Guangzhou and Quanzhou. A local merchant might offer finely crafted gold barter rings to a visiting Chinese trader in return for bolts of exquisite silk or aromatic spices from the Malay Peninsula. **[Trade with India]** Indian traders played a role in shaping the Philippine economy and culture. Through these exchanges, they introduced a wealth of goods and influences, such as cotton textiles, glass beads, and even religious practices that left an indelible mark on Filipino traditions. Notably, the presence of Hindu-Buddhist artifacts, like the renowned Golden Tara of Agusan, underscores the depth of these connections **[Trade with Southeast Asia]** This historic network of trade routes linked the Philippines to influential Southeast Asian empires, notably the Srivijaya Empire (7th--13th century) and the Majapahit Empire (13th--16th century). Filipino traders exchanged valuable local products such as beeswax, rattan, and gold, which were in high demand across Southeast Asia, in return for essential and luxury items like iron tools, spices, and pottery. **Barter** - prior to the establishment of a standardized monetary system, trade in the precolonial Philippines was primarily conducted through barter **Piloncitos** - These small, bead-like gold pieces, unearthed in regions such as Butuan, Laguna, and Mindoro, are considered the earliest form of coinage in the Philippines. - In addition to piloncitos, large gold rings were employed in significant trade transactions. Spanish chronicler Antonio de Morga, in his 1609 work \"Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas,\" noted that early Filipinos measured gold by weight rather than using minted coins. **Weaving** - Was a highly developed craft among various ethnic groups. - The Ilocanos and T\'boli, for instance, were renowned for producing intricate textiles made from locally sourced materials such as abaca, piña (pineapple fiber), and cotton. **Pottery** - Also flourished in several regions, with archaeological excavations in Batangas, Iloilo, and Palawan revealing a variety of earthenware used for cooking, storage, and burial rituals. - Some of these ceramics exhibit stylistic influences from Vietnamese and Thai pottery, underscoring the Philippines\' participation in regional trade networks and cultural exchanges. **Agriculture** One of the most remarkable agricultural feats was the construction of the **Banaue Rice Terraces by the Ifugao people**, a sophisticated irrigation system that supported large populations and demonstrated an advanced understanding of engineering and environmental management. **Metallurgy** - Was another highly developed industry, particularly in the Rajahnate of Butuan, which was renowned for its gold and metalwork - Archaeological discoveries in the region, including gold death masks, jewelry, and ceremonial weapons, indicate that precolonial Filipinos had advanced knowledge of metal extraction and craftsmanship. **The maritime kingdoms of the Philippines -** were small, independent polities that emerged during the pre-colonial period, flourishing from the 1st millennium CE until the arrival of European colonizers. These kingdoms were strategically located along coastal areas and river systems, leveraging the Philippines\' archipelagic geography to engage in extensive maritime trade and cultural exchange. Their proximity to major maritime trade routes, such as the Maritime Silk Road and the Indian Ocean trade network, allowed these kingdoms to thrive as intermediaries in regional and global trade. - The geographical layout of the Philippines, with over 7,000 islands, made maritime trade a natural and essential part of daily commerce. This also linked the Philippines to the broader global markets of the time. The period from the 15th to 17th centuries, often referred to as the \"Age of Commerce,\" saw unprecedented urban expansion and the rise of states largely driven by maritime trade. - The maritime kingdoms facilitated the exchange of ideas, religions, and technologies. The Philippines became a melting pot of influences from the Indosphere (Indian Hindu-Buddhist culture) and the Sinosphere (Chinese culture), as well as Islamic traditions brought by Arab and Muslim traders. **The Kingdom of Tondo (900s--1500s)** was a dominant force in precolonial Philippine history, known for its flourishing trade networks and political influence. The kingdom\'s control over the Pasig River allowed it to become a hub for trade with China, Japan, and neighboring Southeast Asian polities. Chinese records from the Ming Dynasty mention Luzon traders arriving in China as early as 1373 CE (Scott, 1994). **The Sultanate of Sulu (1400s--1800s)** was one of the most influential Islamic polities in the Philippines. Located in the Sulu Archipelago, it controlled vital maritime routes that linked the Philippines to the broader Malay world, including Borneo, the Malaca Sultanate, and even the Middle East. - Sulu was deeply integrated into the Islamic trade system, connecting with merchants from Malacca, Java, and the Arabian Peninsula. - The Sultanate of Sulu was known for its formidable naval forces, which allowed it to resist Spanish conquest for centuries. **Butuan**, located in northeastern Mindanao, was a major trading port from the 10th to 14th centuries AD. Its position along the Agusan River and proximity to the Bohol Sea made it an ideal location for maritime trade. Butuan was part of extensive trade networks that connected it to major Asian empires such as Sri Vijaya, Champa, and China\'s Song Dynasty - Butuan was renowned for its gold mining and metallurgy. The kingdom produced high-quality gold jewelry, ornaments, and other wares, which were highly sought after in regional trade. Gold from Butuan was a key export, exchanged for luxury goods such as Chinese ceramics, silk, and other items. The discovery of ancient balangay boats in Butuan further highlights its maritime prowess, as these boats were used for trade and transport across Southeast Asia. - Butuan maintained strong trading ties with China, particularly during the Song Dynasty (960--1279 AD). Chinese records mention Butuan as a tributary state, and its rulers sent emissaries to China to establish diplomatic and trade relations. **Cebu**, historically known as **Sugbu**, was in the central Philippines, making it a natural crossroads for trade routes connecting the Visayas, Mindanao, and Luzon. - Cebu\'s economy was based on agriculture, fishing, and trade. It was known for producing agricultural goods and forest products, which were traded with neighboring islands and foreign merchants. Cebu also served as a redistribution center, where goods from other parts of the Philippines and Southeast Asia were collected and exchanged. - Chinese records refer to Cebu as Sokbu, highlighting its importance as a trading partner. Cebu\'s rulers engaged in trade with Chinese merchants, exchanging local products for Chinese goods such as porcelain and silk. Additionally, Cebu\'s connections with other Southeast Asian polities, such as the Majapahit Empire, facilitated the flow of goods and cultural influences. **[Indigenous Governance and Law]** **Datu Leadership** - Political, Military, and Spiritual Leader - Heads of the Barangays; responsible for governance, defense, and despute resolution. - Intermediaries between the divine and the people. **Council of Elders** - Advises the datu when a law is aspired to be established. - After laws were written, it is announced to the whole barangay by a town crier called the umalohokan. **Precolonial Legal Codes** - The **Code of Kalantiaw** is a famous set of laws before Spanish colonization that have been established by Datu Kalantiaw of the island of Panay in the 14th century. *The authenticity of the Code has been questioned by historians, as it was not documented until the 19th century by Spanish scholar Juan de la Fuente, leading some to think that it may have been made up.* - Regardless of its historical validity, the Code of Kalantiaw remains a symbol of pre-colonial Filipino legal practices. The Code is thought to have consisted of laws governing various aspects of daily life, such as crimes, punishments, and social order. Some laws of the Code, as outlined in Spanish records, include: 1. *Crimes and Punishments* 2. *Social Order* 3. *Protection of Property* 4. *Justice and Honor* **[Conflict and Alliances Among Barangays and Kingdoms]** **Barangay Structure** - The barangay was the most basic form of community, consisting of 30 to 100 families. While communities were often together peacefully, conflicts arose over resources, territories, and political power. The barangay system was hierarchical, with the datu as the leader, supported by nobles, freemen, and slaves. Economic activities like agriculture, fishing, and trade sometimes led to competition and disputes, particularly over vital resources. **Alliances and Confederations** - Conflicts were fueled by territorial expansion, resource competition, and political ambitions. For instance, barangays like Manila and Tondo clashed over control of strategic locations. - To reduce the amount conflict, barangays formed alliances through blood compacts, intermarriage, and trade agreements. One example was the Confederation of Madja-as in the Visayas, which united barangays for mutual defense. ***Confederation of Madja-as*** - A significant alliance formed in the Visayas region during the pre-colonial period. The confederation was formed when Datu Puti, a leader from Borneo, and other datus fleeing from oppressive rulers established a pact. In a symbolic gesture of unity, they performed a blood compact and agreed to form an alliance, ensuring mutual defense and cooperation among the barangays. - This confederation brought together multiple barangays under a shared purpose, not only for protection but also for economic alliance. It helped strengthen their collective power against external threats. The Confederation of Madja-as played a big role in shaping the political landscape of the Visayas, highlighting the importance of alliances in pre-colonial Philippine governance. **[Weapons of War in Precolonial Society]** 1. **Kampilan** - It has a long, curved blade, typically between two to three feet in length, made from bronze or iron. Its single cutting edge allowed for powerful strikes, especially in close combat. - Often connected with the death of Ferdinand Magellan on Mactan Island (Though the exact sword used remains uncertain). 2. **Kris** - Designed mainly as a stabbing weapon, it has a wavy shape blade that increases the size of the wound when used. The number of waves on the kris often indicated the owner's social status. - Also thought to have spiritual significance, with an odd number of waves believed to symbolize either good or bad spirits. 3. **Bows and Arrows** - Although not widely emphasized in historical records, bows and arrows were still mentioned as tools used for hunting and warfare by pre-colonial Filipinos. Indigenous groups like the Agta are believed to have used them extensively for hunting in the forests. 4. **Shields** - Often made from materials such as hardwood, buffalo hide, or woven rattan. Built to withstand the impact of arrows, spears, and other weapons. Some shields were large enough to cover the entire body, while others were smaller and handheld. - The designs varied by region, with examples like the rectangular Kalasag shield used by the Igorot tribes and the circular bangkaw shield used by Visayan warriors. **[Naval Technology: Balangay and Karakoa]** **Naval Warfare** - The Philippines archipelago played a huge role in shaping pre-colonial naval strategies, where raiding and defending coastal areas were central to warfare. - Filipinos were skilled at raiding coastal settlements, cutting off enemy supply routes, and intimidating their opponents. These raids helped acquire resources and scared enemies into focusing on defense, weakening their overall military strength. **Balangay** - Considered the first wooden boat excavated in Southeast Asia. - Crucial for the settlement of Austronesian peoples in the Philippines and surrounding regions. - Used for transporting goods and trade, with Butuan in Agusan del Norte becoming a major trade center. *The Balanghai Festival in Butuan today celebrates the first settlers of the Philippines.\ * **Karakoa** - Ancient warship used by pre-colonial Filipinos, particularly by the Visayans and people from Luzon, during the 16th and 17th centuries. - A type of balangay, known for its V-shaped hull and decorative prow. Could carry between 100 to 200 warriors and was built for speed and agility. - The Karakoa\'s hull was made from hardwood and used an outrigger system for added stability during high-speed maneuvers. The Karakoa played a key role in resisting Spanish colonization, with Filipino warriors using these ships to launch surprise attacks on Spanish settlements and ships. **[Language, Literature, and Writing Systems]** **Baybayin and Other Precolonial Scripts** - Baybayin, derived from \"baybay\" (to spell), was a widely used pre-Hispanic Philippine script before Spanish colonization. Spanish missionaries documented it in the 16th century, noting its use in Ilocano, Pangasinan, and Bisaya for personal correspondence, trade, and rituals. Ancient manuscripts written in Baybayin contained thousands of characters. Originating from Borneo, it first appeared in Luzon and spread to Ilocos, Bicol, Palawan, and Cebu. - The Visayans referred to Baybayin as \"Moro writings.\" Spaniards initially thought it was exclusive to Manila but later recognized its use in other regions. It was known as Basahan in Bicol, Badlit in the Visayas, Kulitan in Pampanga, and Surat Mangyan in Mindoro. UNESCO recognizes four living Baybayin scripts: Buhid and Hanunoo in Mindoro, and Tagbanwa in Palawan. Pampanga's ancient Kulitan was revived in the 1990s. **Significance** - Baybayin demonstrates the literacy of pre-Hispanic Filipino societies, with at least 16 writing systems recorded before Spanish rule. The Katipunan used the Baybayin \"ka\" symbol to represent \"Kalayaan\" (freedom), which remains in the Philippine Army logo. **Oral Traditions and Storytelling** - Oral traditions preserved values such as love, respect, and hard work. Storytelling, led by elders, reinforced cultural identity and moral lessons, fostering unity within communities. Festivals and communal gatherings strengthened these traditions, particularly among ethnic and indigenous groups. **[Spirituality and Belief Systems]** - Polytheistic Indigenous Religions Precolonial Filipinos worshiped anitos (spirits) and diwatas (deities). Anitos included ancestors and nature spirits, influencing daily life through rituals and offerings. Diwatas, associated with natural elements, granted blessings but could bring misfortune if disrespected. **Influence on Daily Life** 1. Rituals and Offerings -- The pagdiwata ceremony involved prayers and gifts to ensure harmony and prosperity. 2. Shamanistic Practices -- Babaylans and katalonans acted as mediators between humans and spirits. 3. Daily Practices -- Small rituals were performed before entering forests or crossing rivers to seek spirit permission. **Role of Babaylans and Catalonans**: - Babaylans, mainly women, were spiritual leaders, healers, and preservers of oral traditions. Catalonans served a similar role in Tagalog regions, conducting rituals, healing the sick, and guiding lost souls through songs and dances. Both were respected advisors to community leaders. **Rituals and Practices**: Precolonial rituals reinforced connections between nature and spirituality. Key practices included: - Offerings for prosperity -- Rituals ensured good harvests and favorable weather. - Sacrifices -- Food and animal offerings expressed gratitude to spirits. - Ancestor Veneration -- Families honored ancestral spirits through altars and prayers. - Sacred Spaces -- Rituals took place in nature, believing spirits resided in mountains, rivers, and forests. **[Women as Leaders in Precolonial Society]** **Female Datus:** Women could become datus, ruling independently or co-ruling with men. They played vital roles in governance, diplomacy, and military leadership, demonstrating merit-based leadership. **Babaylans as Spiritual Leaders:** Babaylans wielded significant influence through healing, divination, and rituals. Their role extended to political advising, reinforcing their importance in both spiritual and societal matters. **Women in Warfare and Defense:** Women participated in defense and military leadership. Precolonial society allowed them to own property, engage in trade, divorce, and assume leadership in the absence of a male heir. **[Marriage Customs, Dowry, and Familial Roles]** **Marriage Customs**: Marriage strengthened alliances. The groom\'s family provided a bigay-kaya (dowry) of land or valuables to demonstrate his ability to provide. Weddings symbolized unity, prosperity, and family bonds. **Dowry Systems:** The dowry reinforced social ties and status. Women had agency in dowry negotiations, ensuring fairness. **Familial Roles:** Women contributed to agriculture, commerce, and community life. They preserved traditions through storytelling and rituals. **[Comparative Freedom of Women in Precolonial vs. Colonial Times]** **Social and Political Autonomy**: Women had property rights, could inherit wealth, and influenced decision-making. They were active in trade, agriculture, and governance. **Freedom of Movement**: Women participated in economic and social activities with mobility, unlike during colonial times when restrictions were imposed. Precolonial society valued gender equality, with women playing essential roles in governance, spirituality, and daily life. **[Key Takeaways on Readings]** **\[1\] From Babaylan to Beata** Babaylan to Beata opens a gateway to knowledge about religious transition of women from the precolonial period. It talks about the past significance of women in polytheist religion, which was then overcome by Hispanic influence, forcing the women in power to give up their roles in society. 1. **Women as Dominant Spiritual Leaders** The Babaylans weren't merely spiritual beings with "natural powers" to heal a whole community, they are also religious and leadership figures, who are trusted for their knowledge of rituals, healing practices, and divination. The reliance of early people to their knowledge and power is a testament to how significant their role is in precolonial society. Although men could take on their roles as Babaylans, they weren't the expected gender to command in this position. Women simply had autonomy in societal power. 2. **Religious Transformation** Animism was the mainly practiced religion of precolonial people which applies proper treatment and significance to nature, spirits, and their believed ancestors. Once Catholicism was introduced by Spaniards, religious practices were transformed in a swift and this created a blackhole for polytheism, completely sucking out the once heavily practiced beliefs and rituals with new ways and manners of worship in Christianity. 3. **Beata: The New Babaylan** Beatas were hailed the new Babaylans. Their role of Beatas was still a significant figure in terms of spirituality and the authority they held over it, but compared to Babaylans, they had less autonomy in society. The Beata framework was very rigid and complied mostly with patriarchal ways. This shift held women back in holding power inside a community. 4. **Power Shift of Catholicism to Societal Roles** As the Spaniards came along, so did their religion. Along with their religion, was patriarchal leadership. Once Catholicism was fully engraved in the lives of Filipinos, societal roles started to shift along with the religious transition. The once highly valued women in society were ripped off their "titles" as spiritual leaders and leaders of society due to heavily patriarchal influence in this new Catholic view. 5. **How Precolonial History Was Erased** Colonial and religious forces erased precolonial traditions, including women\'s spiritual leadership. Catholicism didn\'t just replace old beliefs but aimed to suppress them. Indigenous knowledge, like the role of Babaylans, was often demonized or reinterpreted through a colonial lens. This suppression justified colonial rule and imposed foreign culture. The Beata story, though Catholic, subtly reflects this cultural erasure. **\[2\] How Kristo Democritized Langit** 1. **Reinterpretation of Christianity:** Indigenous Filipinos began reinterpreting Christian concepts to awaken Filipinos into revolting against colonialism. 2. **Fusion of Belief Systems:** The fusion of babaylan cosmology and Christian beliefs had played a key role in awakening political consciousness among common folk. 3. **Democracy and Liberalism:** Giving new meaning for the term "heaven" as a place accessible for all people sparked the need for liberalism among Filipinos. 4. **Revolution:** By reinterpreting "Langit" the Filipinos began to question the hierarchies at the time, leading to an uproar for reformity. 5. **Social Movements:** The 1896 Revolution was created from the new meaning of heaven among other nationalist movements. **\[3\] Understanding Folk Religiosity** Filipino folk religiosity in authentic faith expression, emphasizing its syncretic blend of pre-colonial beliefs and Catholicism. It explores millenarian movements, folk Catholic feasts, and everyday faith practices, showing how spirituality is deeply rooted in Filipino culture. The study argues that folk religiosity fosters religious growth, strengthens identity, and aids in reinterpreting doctrines for a more meaningful faith experience. 1. **Major Religious Influences in Philippine Folk Religion** - **Precolonial Animism:** The belief in anitos (spirits) and diwatas (deities) that are present in nature; Shamanistic practices led by babaylans and catalonans. - **Spanish Catholicism (16th century):** Catholic faith was introduced by the spanish missionaries and the - **Islam and Other Influences:** Muslim presence in Mindanao since the 13^th^ century. Chinese, Hindu, and Buddhist elements in Filipino spirituality also emerged 2. **Millenarian Movements and Folk Religious Groups** - **Hermano Pule and Cofradia de San Jose:** A movement resisting Spanish religious control - **Rizalistas:** A bunch of groups venerating Jose Rizal as a spiritual figure. - **Ciudad Mistica de Dios:** A religious sect based on mystical and prophetic visions. - **Santa Iglesia:** A movement blending folk Christianity and indigenous beliefs. 3. **Folk Religiosity in Festivals and Devotions** - **Sinulog Festival:** A dance festival in Cebu honoring the Sto. Niño. - **Feast of the Black Nazarene:** Devotees participate in a grand procession, believing in the image's miraculous power which happens in Quiapo Manila. - **Obando Fertility Dance:** A ritual dance usually in Bulacan for couples praying for children. 4. **Folk Religious Practices in Everyday Life** - **Paghingalay/Gaze Praying:** Staring at sacred images during prayer. - **Punas-punas/Wiping Sacred Images:** Belief that wiping a handkerchief on an image transfers its miraculous power. - **Panata/Devotional Pledge**: A vow to perform religious acts in exchange for granted prayers