Magahat Tribe: Philippine Indigenous Peoples

GROUP 2 MAGAHAT TRIBE PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' AND PEACE EDUCATION Learning Objectives: Explore their traditional art forms, music, dance, traditional beliefs, rituals, and community values. Appreciate the contributions of the Magahat tribe to biodiversity and cultural d...

GROUP 2 MAGAHAT TRIBE PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' AND PEACE EDUCATION Learning Objectives: Explore their traditional art forms, music, dance, traditional beliefs, rituals, and community values. Appreciate the contributions of the Magahat tribe to biodiversity and cultural diversity.  INTRODUCTION Magahat also known as the Ati-Man and the Bukidnon people. Their language is a mixture of Hiligaynon and Sugbuhanon dialects. Magahat are a subgroup of Bukidnon tribe. Magahat are found in southwestern Negros, Santa Catalina, Bayawan, Siaton in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental regions Current population is around 2,478.  History of Mahagat The Magahat people have a long history in the Negros region, with their origins tracing back to the pre-colonial era. They are believed to be related to the Karolanos tribe, another indigenous group found on Negros Island. Origins and Settlement: The Magahat people are believed to be part of the larger Austronesian migration to the Philippines, arriving several thousand years ago. They primarily settled in the rugged, forested highlands of Negros Island, where they could maintain their traditional way of life. They are part of the Bukidnon group, which refers to the mountain-dwelling indigenous groups found in Visayas Colonial and Modern Times: During the Spanish colonial period, the Magahat and other indigenous groups in Negros had little direct interaction with Spanish authorities due to their remote location. However, some of their land was affected by Christian settlers and later agricultural expansion by sugar barons in Negros. Their territories were gradually encroached upon during both the Spanish and American periods, pushing them further into the highlands. Bukidnon (Magahat): Way of life Magahats practice swidden agriculture, because their settlements are in mountainous areas. Swidden agriculture similar to Kaingin, also known as shifting cultivation, this technique of rotational farming in which land is cleared for cultivation (normally by fire) and then left to regenerate after a few years. They are food gatherers and good hunters. Bukidnon (Magahat): Customs and Traditions Magahat - refers to the practice of killing. It is when a Bukidnon kills another due to the death of any family member. It is of this act that made one a Magahat, a word often derived from the Visayan-Cebuano term that means “to kill” mag-ahat - refers to the killing of an innocentperson. magahat – refers to the perpetrator Music Magahat music plays a significant role in their rituals and daily life, often involving traditional instruments such as gongs and bamboo flutes. The use of chanting is also common, which is performed during significant cultural events, storytelling, or healing rituals. Dance The Magahat tribe is known for traditional dances that reflect their warrior culture. One such dance is the Kinalasag dance, which symbolizes the tribe's practice of hunting and their readiness for battle. Historically, this dance was associated with their headhunting rituals. Dancers use shields ("kalasag") made from wood, which is where the dance gets its name, and movements mimic combat tactics, celebrating bravery and strength. Clothing of Magahat Tribe Magahat traditional clothing is simple yet functional. Men typically wear loincloths (bahag), while women wear wrap-around skirts. For ceremonial dances like the Kinalasag, dancers are adorned with feathers, beads, and tattoos, which symbolize status and bravery. The shields used in the Kinalasag dance are often decorated with intricate designs representing the tribe's heritage and warrior identity. Arts and Crafts of Mahagat Tribe Tattooing is a skill in Magahats. Their art is reflected in the weapons and jewelry they make. Weaving- The Magahat create intricate woven textiles using traditional looms. These often feature vibrant colors and patterns that hold cultural significance. Bamboo Crafting- They skillfully craft furniture, tools, and decorative items from bamboo, showcasing both functionality and artistry. Marraige Practices of Magahat The alliance formed by the two families is more important than the marriage itself. The dagdag (bride price or dowry) is one important demonstration of this fact. Thus, marriage by capture is relatively unimportant because it brings little, if any, of the benefits that are to be obtained from the kinship alliances of normal marriages. Pregnancy and Birth Practices of Magahat The Magahats believe in sexual union for conception, and taboos are observed for certain behaviors. Once pregnancy is confirmed, the mother becomes an advisor, and the pregnant woman is instructed to bathe in a stream and take a root tonic daily. Ceremonies are performed by the babaylan to counteract fears of hard delivery and appease Apila, the goddess of pregnant women. Women are expected to suffer silently during childbirth, and the delivery procedure involves a babaylan's partera. After birth, the infant is breastfed until the next pregnancy sign. Belief, Cultural and Traditional Practices of Magahat The Magahats live in the mountains of Basay, near rivers and streams with houses made from forest materials. Their houses are simple, without partition, and decorated with hanging skulls of the animal horns and weapons. The Magahats believe in spirits, like most Visayans. They use anting-anting to fight evil spirits. Death, however, is not feared by the Magahats. They believe that it is just a journey from earth to the other side of the world.  Challenges: Loss of control over natural resources: The displacement of tribal communities from their ancestral lands due to industrialization, mining, and the establishment of protected forests has led to a loss of livelihood and cultural identity. Lack of education: High illiteracy rates among tribal communities are attributed to factors like poverty, cultural barriers, and a lack of suitable education infrastructure and qualified teachers. Health and nutrition issues: Tribal communities face health challenges due to poverty, limited access to healthcare, and malnutrition. They are disproportionately affected by diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and malnutrition.  Solutions: Strengthening tribal governance and rights: Ensuring tribal communities have a say in decisions affecting their lands and resources. Investing in education and infrastructure: Providing quality education, including culturally relevant curriculum, and improving access to schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential infrastructure in tribal areas. Addressing health disparities: Expanding healthcare access, training healthcare providers sensitive to the needs of tribal communities, and promoting preventative healthcare measures.  GROUP 2 THANK YOU!! PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' AND PEACE EDUCATION References: G2- Magahat - indigenous tribe in Visayas - Republic of the philippines western mindanao state. Studocu. (n.d.). https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/western-mindanao-state-university/social-work/g2-magahat-indigenous-tribe-in- visayas/83954604? fbclid=IwY2xjawFqEFFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfYyPRZI94sX_OLcIoYf5TwSN3TT0N5T1V3OgrZGD770WQNZ2oeTddMSxw_ae m_m6dZBHJxCYuVObjrrF4-tg TS;, O. (n.d.). Magahat pregnancy and birth practices. Philippine sociological review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12336464/ ORACION, T. S. (1964). Magahat Marriage Practices. Philippine Sociological Review, 12(1/2), 101–109. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23892489 Scribd. (n.d.). Magahat Almocera-handout. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/691192078/MAGAHAT-Almocera- Handout