Manobo Tribe History and Culture PDF

 Manobo Tribe The Manobo tribe were residents of the land since time immemorial. When migrants came to settle in the province of Sultan Kudarat, these people opted to move into the mountainous regions to distance themselves from new tribes. The name “Manobo” came from the terms, “m...

 Manobo Tribe The Manobo tribe were residents of the land since time immemorial. When migrants came to settle in the province of Sultan Kudarat, these people opted to move into the mountainous regions to distance themselves from new tribes. The name “Manobo” came from the terms, “man soba,” which literally means “man of the river.” Ancestors of these tribes opted to stay away than be dominated by other culture. Their flight is for survival since most of their needs are from the forest through foraging and hunting. The Manobo 8 cluster groups: The Cotabato Manobo The eight Manobo groups are all very similar, differing only in The Agusan Manobo dialect and in some aspects of culture. The distinctions have Dibabawon Manobo resulted from their geographical Matig Salug Manobo separation. The groups are often connected by name with either Sarangani Manobo political divisions or landforms. The Bukidnons, for example, are Manobo of Western located in a province of the same Bukidnon name. The Agusans, who live near the Agusan River Valley, are Obo Manobo, and named according to their location. Tagabawa Manobo Language of the Manobo Tribe The Manobo language, or languages, as there are several dialects within the Manobo group, exhibit characteristics typical of many Philippine languages. Among these are extensive use of affixation, a focus on verb forms, and a system of pronouns that includes inclusive and exclusive forms. The language is rich in vocabulary that reflects the tribe’s connection to nature, agriculture, and community life.  Language of the Manobo Tribe Talaandig Manobo – Spoken by the Talaandig people in parts of Bukidnon. Higaonon – Spoken by the Higaonon people, primarily in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and Lanao del Norte. Mansaka – Spoken by the Mansaka people in the Davao region, particularly in Davao del Norte. Cotabato Manobo – Spoken in the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao, and parts of Davao del Sur. Bla'an – Although considered a distinct language, some dialects are closely related to Manobo languages, and speakers may identify with both Manobo and Bla'an cultural groups. Agusan Manobo – Spoken by the Agusan Manobo group in Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. Davao Manobo – Spoken in the Davao region, especially in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. Daily Conversations in Manobo Greeting: Count Manobo: “Kamusta ka, kasabot?” Pronouns: English: “How are you, friend?” Isa (one) Asking for Help: Duha (two) Tulo (three) Manobo: “Nangayo ko’g tabang, palihug.” Upat (four) English: “I am asking for help, please.” Lima (five) Discussing Harvest: Manobo: “Nag-ani mi’g humay sa uma.” English: “We harvested rice from the field.” Sharing Traditions: Manobo: “Sa atong pista, magdala ta’g mga pagkaon.” English: “For our festival, we will bring food.” Pronouns Inclusive: We (including the listener) — "kitang" Exclusive: We (excluding the listener) — "kami" You: "ka" They: "sila" Verb Affixation "libang" (to play) "naglilibang" (is playing) "naglibang" (played) Nouns and Adjectives “Mamalakaw” (hunter) — can be elaborated as “mamalakaw sa busaw” (hunter of wild animals). “Baylan”: A healer or priest who mediates between the spirit world and the community. “Pag-ampo”: Prayer, indicating the spiritual life and practices within the tribe.  FESTIVAL One of the most vibrant manifestations of Manobo culture is their festivals, which serve as platforms to showcase their unique traditions and communal identity. The "Kaamulan Festival," celebrated annually in Bukidnon, is one of the most significant events, bringing together various tribes, including the Manobo. The festival is a showcase of indigenous culture through traditional dances, music, crafts, and culinary delicacies. It is an occasion for the community to rekindle ties with their heritage, celebrate their victories, and honor their ancestors. The festival features traditional rites such as the "Pamuhat," a ritual performed to ask for blessings from the spirit world, and the "Pahug," where participants engage in traditional games and competitions. These festivities not only promote cultural pride but also foster a sense of unity among different tribal communities in the region.  FESTIVAL Sunggod Ta Kamanga Festival celebrates the ethnic culture and tradition of indigenous Manobo people in the town of Quezon, Bukidnon, Philippines every third week of February. Its festive activities may stretch up to three days and feature, among other events, the rituals of the Manobos when preparing land for tilling and worshiping Magbabaya (God). Suggod Ta Kamanga Festival was conducted to preserve, give recognition to, and gives space where Manobos can showcase their unique culture through performance, music, and rituals. It is an exhibition of their way of life. Activities are held in Doña Resing Park in Poblacion. Among the many highlights are the beauty pageant called Laga Ta Kiokong,  RITUALS Rituals in Manobo culture vary from personal rites of passage to communal ceremonies. One of the most significant personal rites is the "Bona," a coming-of- age ceremony for young men. This ritual marks their transition into adulthood and includes training in traditional practices, courage tests, and community involvement. The ceremony often culminates in communal feasting, where the young men demonstrate their readiness to take on adult responsibilities. Another important ritual is the "Suwang," performed during agricultural cycles. The Manobo people rely heavily on agriculture, and this ritual is conducted to ensure bountiful harvests. Offerings are made to the spirits of the environment, and prayers are recited to ask for favorable weather and protection against pests or diseases. The ritual symbolizes the tribe's respect for nature and the interconnectedness of MANOBO ART AND MUSIC The Manobo Tribe are excellent crafters. They weave sturdy baskets for different needs. They are using bamboo as their primary raw material, and other vines they can salvage from the remaining forests in the mountain. They are also great performers. Their unique dances are accompanied by different indigenous musical instruments. One particular instrument they have is the “tugo” or bamboo zither. Just like most of the musical instruments of our indigenous people, the “tugo” doesn’t have a musical scale or follow the so-fa syllables. They are played depending on the harmonic mood of the musician. It is made entirely of bamboo. The skin is carved to produced the strings around the instrument. Musicians of the tribe are highly valued by the community. They are summoned when important rites  VALUED ACCESSORIES AND SKIN ART The Manobo tribe is famous for their crafted accessories and skin art. The raw material for their accessories are mainly beads made of seeds and other materials they can find in the forest. One famous accessory is the red bracelet. It is worn by babies to shield them from negative energies such as “usog” or the evil eye. Originally, this bracelet is made of rosary pea, a red with black spot seed found in the forest. However, the rosary pea is highly poisonous and can be harmful to babies. That is why, the modern version of this charm is made out of plastic beads. The beauty of the women is equated with the number of accessories they have in their body. The more rings or bracelets they have, the more attractive and valued they are. Skin art or tattoo is also known to this tribe. The men usually have tattoos to  THE DREAM CASTERS Like most of the tribes in the Philippines, the Manobo Tribe have a high priestess. They are called “Babaylan.” They are usually the gifted member of the community. It is believed that their role are given to them by the spirits themselves. The “Babaylans” are gifted healers and dream interpreters. When there is illness in the community, they are usually sought for healing. They also lead important rituals in the community. Their advices are valued not only by the community but by the “Datu” or Tribal Chieftain themselves. In the moderns communities, the role of the “Babaylan” is usually infused in the role of the “Datu.” This is because being born with special gifts is a rare occurrence in the community. That is why in some.communities, when someone is sick or in trouble, the “Datu” is the one who addresses their problem. Manobo Tribe Religious Belief The religious beliefs of the Manobo revolve around many unseen spirits interfering in the lives of humans. They believe these spirits can intrude on human activities to accomplish their desires. The spirits are also believed to have human characteristics. They are both good and evil in nature and can be evoked to both anger and pleasure. While the religious practices of the Manobo vary slightly, there seems to be at least one common thread linking them together. Each culture believes in one "great spirit." This "great spirit" is usually viewed as the creator figure. As the various Manobo groups have been separated, the religious beliefs of other peoples have influenced them somewhat. However, the Manobo have often incorporated these new practices into their belief system, rather than abandoning Manobo Tribe Cuisine Binugsong te manok (roasted chicken wrapped in banana leaves) has a taste and aroma that the PWC teachers and students found very delicious. Manobo Tribe CuisineBinaki (grated corn wrapped in alik-ik leaves) is a favorite viand by the Ata- Manobo but can also be a delicious afternoon snack. Manobo Tribe Cuisine Rice cooked in bamboo, slices of sweet potato, and freshwater crabs. The Livelihood of the Manobo Tribe The Livelihood of the Manobo Tribe Traditional Agriculture At the core of the Manobo livelihood is subsistence agriculture. The Manobo people practice shifting cultivation, a method that allows them to grow crops such as rice, corn, root crops, and various fruits in a sustainable manner. By rotating their fields, they can maintain soil fertility and ensure a steady supply of food. The cultivation of crops is often complemented by the gathering of wild plants and fruits, which enrich their diet and provide materials for crafts and cooking. The Manobo tribe also engages in agroforestry, incorporating trees into their agricultural practices which are not only beneficial for the environment but also provide timber, fuel, and other non-timber forest products. This holistic approach to farming fosters biodiversity and supports the ecosystem, reflecting the tribe’s respect for nature. The Livelihood of the Manobo Tribe Fishing and Hunting In addition to agriculture, fishing and hunting are vital components of the Manobo livelihood. Rivers and lakes in Mindanao are teeming with fish, which serves as an important protein source for the community. The Manobo utilize traditional fishing techniques, such as netting and trapping, which have been passed down through generations. Hunting also plays a role in their subsistence. The tribe traditionally hunts game such as deer and wild boar, utilizing skills learned from their ancestors. These activities not only provide food but also strengthen community bonds, as hunting is often a communal event that brings individuals together. The Livelihood of the Manobo Tribe Artisan Crafts and Cultural Preservation The Manobo tribe is known for its rich artistic traditions, which contribute to their livelihood. Artisan crafts, such as weaving and wood carving, are significant sources of income. Women, in particular, play a crucial role in the production of traditional textiles, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate patterns that reflect their cultural identity. Crafts produced by the Manobo can be sold in local markets or to tourists, allowing them to generate income while preserving their cultural heritage. However, the challenge remains to balance commercialization with genuine cultural expression, as the influx of modernity sometimes threatens traditional practices. Socio-Economic The most common lifestyle of the Manobo is that of agriculture. Unfortunately, their farming methods are very primitive. The Cotabato Manobo’s use a farming system called kaingin. This is a procedure in which fields are allowed to remain fallow for certain periods of time so that areas of cultivation may be shifted from place to place. Social life for the Manobo is patriarchal (male-dominated). The head of the family is the husband. Polygyny (having more than one wife at a time) is common and is allowed according to a man’s wealth. However, among the Bukidnon, most marriages are monogamous. The only exception is that of the powerful datus (headmen). Political Structure The political structures of the Manobo groups are all quite similar. A ruler, called a sultan, is the head of the group. Beneath him are the royal and non-royal classes. Only those people belonging to the royal classes can aspire to the throne. Those belonging to the non-royal classes are under the power and authority of the royal classes. Each class is interdependent on the others. The political aspects of life are often integrated with the social aspects. For example, many social events, such as weddings, require political leaders. Whenever there is a negotiation for marriage, both the bride and the groom must use the local datu (headman) to make all of the arrangements. Cultural Context of Manobo Education Cultural Context of Manobo Education The Manobo tribe has a long-standing tradition of oral storytelling, communal learning, and spiritual education that has served to transfer knowledge across generations. The elders often assume the role of educators, imparting wisdom about their history, customs, and survival skills necessary for living in harmony with their environment. This contextual education emphasizes the importance of ancestry, nurturing a sense of pride and identity among the youth. Barriers to Education Accessing quality education poses significant challenges for the Manobo tribe. Geographic isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic hurdles hinder their ability to access schools. Often, schools are located far from their communities and require students to traverse difficult terrain, presenting a barrier to consistent attendance. Furthermore, the language barrier can be an obstacle. Many Manobo children speak their native dialects rather than Filipino or English, which are the primary languages of instruction in public schools. This linguistic discrepancy can affect comprehension and engagement, ultimately impacting their academic performance. Issues, Problems, and Concerns of the Manobo Tribe  Issues, Problems, and Concerns of the Manobo Tribe Land Displacement and Encroachment One of the most pressing issues for the Manobo tribe is land displacement. Rapid industrialization, agricultural expansion, mining activities, and logging have resulted in the encroachment of their ancestral lands. The 2019 National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) report indicates that many Manobo communities have experienced forced evictions, with their lands being taken without proper consent or compensation. This land struggle not only threatens their livelihood but also undermines their cultural identity and traditions.  Issues, Problems, and Concerns of the Manobo Tribe Cultural Erosion As external influences continue to penetrate Manobo territory, the community's cultural practices and traditions are at risk of being diluted or lost entirely. Younger generations are increasingly attracted to urban lifestyles and consumer culture, leading to a decline in the transmission of traditional knowledge, language, and customs. The preservation of the Manobo language and ritual practices is essential for maintaining their cultural identity, but this can be challenging in a rapidly modernizing world.  Issues, Problems, and Concerns of the Manobo Tribe Climate Change and Environmental Degradation The Manobo tribe's dependence on agricultural practices and natural resources makes them particularly vulnerable to climate change. Changes in weather patterns, such as prolonged droughts and heavy rainfall, have adversely impacted their farming and fishing activities. Deforestation and mining activities not only contribute to environmental degradation but also disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystems upon which the Manobo people rely.  Issues, Problems, and Concerns of the Manobo Tribe Inadequate Access to Basic Services Many Manobo communities suffer from inadequate access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean drinking water. The lack of infrastructure, trained medical personnel, and quality educational facilities perpetuates cycles of poverty and illiteracy. Many children are unable to attend school due to financial constraints or because schools are located far from their communities. This situation limits their opportunities for personal development and economic advancement.  Issues, Problems, and Concerns of the Manobo Tribe Human Rights Violations The Manobo tribe has faced numerous human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, harassment, and violence. Conflicts over land disputes often escalate into violent confrontations with government authorities or private companies, putting the lives of Manobo individuals at risk. The ongoing struggle for recognition of their rights as indigenous people frequently leads to marginalization and discrimination.  Issues, Problems, and Concerns of the Manobo Tribe Political Marginalization Despite being recognized as an indigenous group, the Manobo tribe often finds itself politically marginalized. The lack of representation in local and national government means that their voices are not adequately heard in decision- making processes that affect their lives. This political disenfranchisement hinders their ability to advocate for rights, resources, and initiatives that could improve their living conditions.  Thank you for listening : ) Presented by : Den Marbella & Cherry Mae Manuel