Subject
Ethnology -- Philippines Books
Best books
Frederic H. Sawyer
The Inhabitants of the Philippines
"The Inhabitants of the Philippines" by Frederic H. Sawyer is a detailed account of the people and society of the Philippines written in the late 19th century. The work aims to provide a more positive view of the Filipino populace, countering negative portrayals from previous authors by outlining various aspects of their culture, governance, and the historical context of colonial rule. It covers a broad spectrum of topics including social customs, governance, and the impact of foreign influence on native societies. At the start of the book, Sawyer reflects on his extensive experience living in the Philippines for over fourteen years, during which he gained firsthand insight into the lives of the inhabitants. He discusses the disparity in treatment between natives and colonizers, illustrating this with anecdotes of legal proceedings that favor Spaniards over locals. Moreover, he challenges the misconceptions about the nature of Filipino society, highlighting its complexities and the influences of colonial administrations. This opening sets the stage for a more nuanced exploration of the Filipino identity and the historical forces shaping it, implying a deeper discussion of both cultural and societal dynamics throughout the rest of the book.
Albert Ernest Jenks
The Bontoc Igorot
"The Bontoc Igorot" by Albert Ernest Jenks is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century, specifically in the context of American colonialism in the Philippines. This ethnological study focuses on the Bontoc Igorot people, a group from northern Luzon, and examines their culture, social organization, and physical characteristics. The work provides detailed insights into their way of life, agricultural practices, religious beliefs, and social structures. The opening of the book sets the stage for Jenks’ ethnographic exploration, beginning with a letter of transmittal to the Department of the Interior and a preface that outlines his expedition and residence among the Igorot during 1903. Jenks describes the Indigenous community as industrious and clean-limbed, with traits typical of primitive mountain agriculturists. He highlights the Igorot's adherence to animism and a unique social structure devoid of slavery, mentioning their notable practice of head-hunting as a form of recreation. The introduction provides a geographical backdrop for the Igorot population, framing their cultural context within the broader Philippine Archipelago. Overall, the opening establishes both a personal connection and a scholarly intent to document a way of life that exists at the intersection of tradition and the encroachment of modernity.
Roy Franklin Barton
Ifugao Law (In American Archaeology and Ethnology, Vol. 15, No. 1)
"Ifugao Law" by R. F. Barton is an ethnographic account written in the early 20th century. This publication delves into the legal system and customs of the Ifugao people, a group known for their intricate rice terraces in the Philippines. It examines the roots of Ifugao law, including its connection to customs and taboos, and explores topics ranging from family law and property rights to criminal law and social responsibilities. The opening of the work introduces the Ifugao culture, emphasizing its lack of formal political governance yet robust systems of customary law derived from taboos and social norms. It posits that, despite being labeled as "barbaric" by outsiders, the Ifugao people maintain relative peace and cohesion through their customary laws, which are crucial to their social fabric. Barton sets the stage for a thorough examination of the unique aspects of Ifugao law, including marriage contracts, property inheritance, and clan responsibilities, while situating these practices within a broader anthropological discourse on primitive societies.
David P. Barrows
The Negrito and Allied Types in the Philippines and The Ilongot or Ibilao of Luzon
"The Negrito and Allied Types in the Philippines and The Ilongot or Ibilao of Luzon" by David P. Barrows is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This book delves into the ethnological and anthropological characteristics of the Negrito people and their interactions with other indigenous groups in the Philippines, particularly the Ilongot. Barrows aims to highlight the often-overlooked implications of Negrito ancestry in the lineage of various Philippine populations. The book explores the physical and cultural attributes of the Negrito, as well as the Ilongot, through anthropometric measurements and observations made over several years. Barrows provides detailed descriptions of their physical traits, emphasizing their distinctive characteristics such as stature, cranial indices, and skin color, alongside cultural practices like headhunting prevalent among the Ilongot. By examining these groups, the author asserts the substantial Negrito influence on other island cultures, revealing a complex interplay of ethnicity, inheritance, and social structures within the Philippines. The work serves as both a detailed analysis of specific ethnic groups and a broader commentary on the evolution of indigenous cultures influenced by inherent racial mixtures.
Ferdinand Blumentritt
Versuch einer Ethnographie der Philippinen
"Versuch einer Ethnographie der Philippinen" by Ferdinand Blumentritt is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work presents a detailed ethnographic study of the Philippines, focusing on its indigenous peoples, including the Negritos and various Malay groups, as well as the influence of Chinese and Japanese populations. The author aims to document the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of the archipelago, providing insights into the historical migration patterns and societal developments of the island's inhabitants. The opening of the ethnographic study begins with an introduction to the Negritos, the indigenous population of the Philippines. Blumentritt describes their current dwindling numbers, the impact of Malay invasions on their societies, and their living conditions in the remote mountainous regions and coastal areas. He further elaborates on the cultural practices, dietary habits, and social structures of the Negritos, laying a strong foundation for the subsequent sections that will explore other ethnic groups. Through this initial exploration, the author sets the stage for a comprehensive examination of the Philippines' ethnographic landscape.
C. (Carl) Semper
Die Philippinen und ihre Bewohner Sechs Skizzen
"Die Philippinen und ihre Bewohner" by C. Semper is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work provides a series of sketches based on lectures about the geography, history, and natural conditions of the Philippines, including insights into its people and their interactions with the environment. The author likely aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the archipelago's unique features and challenges. The opening of the book introduces the geographical layout of the Philippines, detailing its major islands and their topographical features, particularly focusing on the volcanic activity that shapes the landscape. Semper describes various volcanoes, including Serangani, Davao, and Taal, while emphasizing the natural disasters that can devastate the region, such as earthquakes, cholera, and volcanic eruptions. The chapter sets a detailed tone for examining the dynamic relationship between the islands’ natural phenomena and the lives of their inhabitants, establishing a foundational understanding of the complexities that define Philippine life.
T. H. (Trinidad Hermenegildo) Pardo de Tavera
Etimología de los Nombres de Razas de Filipinas
"Etimología de los Nombres de Razas de Filipinas" by T. H. Pardo de Tavera is a scientific publication produced in the early 20th century. This work explores the etymology and linguistic origins of the names associated with various ethnic groups in the Philippine Islands. The book delves into the interplay between language, culture, and ethnicity, aiming to clarify the significance of these names within the context of Philippine identity. In this extensive study, Pardo de Tavera identifies three primary races inhabiting the Philippines: Negritos, Indonesians, and Malays, and examines how these classifications have led to a multitude of tribes and dialects. The author meticulously analyzes the prefixes, roots, and compositions of names, such as those beginning with “Taga” and “I,” providing a linguistic framework to establish the connections between language and ethnic identity. Throughout the book, Pardo de Tavera emphasizes the importance of linguistic evidence in understanding the anthropological diversity of the Philippines, ultimately seeking to provide clarity around what constitutes a "race" in the context of the archipelago.
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