I always find the cultures and lifestyles of people interesting and discovering it myself is truly a great opportunity and a blessing. Exploring Davao a month ago not only their captivating sightseeing destinations but also their rich and colorful cultural diversity was something I find memorable and unforgettable and I will tell you why in this blog today.
I mentioned in my previous blog that we were rather curious why a lot of locals endured the blistering heat of the sun falling in line towards the park. (Me having no idea what's inside!) Our questions were answered when we finally reached Magsaysay Park.
As I looked around, I was overwhelmed with a number of native house designs and some locals wearing costumes that seemed like an exhibit showcasing the rich and colorful cultural diversity in Mindanao. Then, I knew it was the Kadayawan Tribal Village especially featured during the Kadayawan Festival in Davao.
Of course, I was excited to go around the tribal village! Come with me as I discover the unique and interesting culture of the natives of Mindanao!
Let's go!
The Bagobo Klata Tribe
According to the signage displayed, the Bagobo Klata tribe is known to be forest dwellers and feared warriors. They are one of the most elaborately dressed tribes and one of the tribes popular for their fine artistry.
Displayed just below the native hut were some of their crafts like their native costumes and accessories which were for sale.
This is their dirty kitchen where the natives cook their food. Beside it is the place where some cups are drained ready for use during mealtime.
The Kitchen where the natives cook their food.
Displayed in this spot is their native instrument called gongs and of course I had to answer the urge to play it myself. (chuckles)
The Ata Tribe
Displayed just outside their native house design was the information that said, "the Atas are known as the people of the mountains described as naturally shy and kind but are quick to anger."
The Ata tribe in their colorful costumes.
Come on, let's explore their way of living through their native hut designs, crafts, and some tools they use to make a living.
The Ata tribe's native hut.
These tools and materials displayed here show the Ata tribe make their living through farming and fishing.
This pretty girl demonstrated to me how the natives use this fishing implement to catch fish.
Like the Bagobo Klata tribe, the Atas are also proud of their native crafts such as their costumes and woven baskets as displayed in this spot.
The Obu Manuvu Tribe
I was so captivated by this wonderful and unique cultural heritage right before my eyes that I wasn't aware that my buddy Ma'am Jane was no longer behind me. Huh! It seemed she also found other beautiful captures inside the park.
But as I continued my tour, my feet brought me towards this spot that displays the way of life of the Obu Manuvu Tribe.
What's unique about this tribe is how their house was decorated with this colorful fabric design hanging inside.
Displayed inside this native hut were some of the crafts used in their day-to-day lives.
Of course, they also are proud of their colorful and unique designs and crafts that make this tribe interesting, too!
The Matigsalug
As described in the signage, The Matigsalug, usually called "Matig" (place of origin) and the "Salug" (river) where they came from, have houses with small windows for them to be "Ngilam" (alert) of the "Mangayaw" (persons seeking justice).
Common among these indigenous people are their colorful clothes and creatively designed baskets and other crafts and the "Matigsalug" also has their own wonderful arts and crafts to be proud of, too!
The Bagobo Tagabawa Tribe
Known as the protectors of Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, the Bagobo Tagabawa are the "People from the South" as described in the signage hanging in front of their native structure.
Of course, I should not miss learning about their lifestyle as an indigenous group by invading their humble abode.
The wonderful gems of the Bagobo Tagabawa tribe.
The Kitchen
The Bangsa Sama
Very attractive and colorful proudly standing in this spot is the house design of the Bangsa Sama tribe.
This was where I found my buddy Ma'am Jane who seemed to be enjoying watching some locals dancing entertaining and catching the attention of local and international tourists.
As I looked closer, my eyes were caught by this artistically crafted wooden structure I assumed was a boat. As I read the signage that displayed the background and description of the tribe, I learned that the majority of the Sama people live in the coastal areas of Sulu and there are also those who live in Davao City. This wooden boat should tell the way of life of these people called Sama.
Bangsa Maranao
As we explored the Kadayawan Tribal Village, we discovered more about the beauty and crafts of the indigenous people in Mindanao as showcased by this next eye-catching and brightly-colored Royal House Design of the Maranaos called Torogan.
Known to have the best traditional clothes out of all the Filipino ethnic groups, the Maranaos are proud of this sophisticated metal and wood crafts expressed in their Torogan- a special house built for a Maranao maiden.
This Bangsa Maranao tribe is also proud of their rich literature and their artwork called the okir.
Come on and join me and discover what's inside this unique and elegant-looking house!
The Musical Instruments
Kulintang
Gong
Reading the name written here, I knew that the current Vice-President of the Philippines Sara Duterte-Carpio is a proud Maranao herself.
The Kampilan
This is a type of sword usually used by chieftains and warriors for battle and as a headhunting sword. Source The name of this sword is quite familiar because this is used in Filipino epics and I was glad I was able to see it in person.
The Maranao costume
Bangsa Iranun
The House Design
From the signage posted at the door, I knew this was how the office of the royal sultan of the Iranun was decorated and adorned.
The Musical Instruments and House Decors
The delicacies of the tribe
Are you enjoying it so far? Wait, there's more!
The Maguindanaons
If the Iranuns and the Maranaos have such elegant and sophisticated house designs and decors, the Maguindanaons are also known for their rich and colorful tradition and history.
Their House and Fabric Designs
According to the information posted in this spot, the Maguindanaons are one of the first major Muslim people in Mindanao. They are known throughout history as a courageous and resourceful people who defended the entire Mindanao against foreign invaders.
I was wowed by this colorful and elegant bedroom interior design!
The Gems of the Maguindanaons
The Kutiyapi
The kutiyapi, or kudyapi, is a Philippine two-stringed, fretted boat lute. It is four to six feet long with nine frets made of hardened beeswax. The instrument is carved out of solid soft wood such as that from the jackfruit tree.from Wikipedia
The Musical Instruments: Kulintang and Dabakan
A kulintang is a percussion instrument composed of a row of small, horizontally laid gongs while the dabakan is a single-headed Philippine drum, primarily used as a supportive instrument in the kulintang ensemble. source
Weapons and Cutting Tools: Sundang, Ispada, Bolo and Badong
House Decors and Fabric Designs
Whew! I could feel my time wasn't enough to explore and enjoy the unique and interesting culture of the people of Mindanao. Are you still with me?(chuckles)
There's still one more!
The Tausugs
House Design
I also found this percussion instrument called a gong hung in this spot and I assumed that this must be of great importance to the lives of these indigenous groups and so with the Tausugs.
As I went inside the house, I saw some guests trying their very colorful costumes for a souvenir photo at ₱50.00 ($0.88). I should have tried it myself if only I had enough time.
The House Decors and Fabric Designs
Kris
According to the information displayed on this frame, the Kris is a serpentine-bladed weapon, a distinguishing ornament of all Malays that is a symbol of royalty, authority, and power. The shape and number of waves in a kris are significant as they banner or portray its ethnic or regional origin.
It was truly a wonderful and meaningful day discovering many things new about the lifestyles and culture of the people in Mindanao. Philippines, indeed, has diverse cultures that are interesting and fascinating.
According to Robert Alan, "Cultural differences should not separate us from each other but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity."
And this is all for today's blog dear Hive friends. Thank you for going with me on this tour of the Kadayawan Tribal Village in Davao City. See you again in my upcoming blogs. Until then.....
All photos are mine unless stated otherwise. Lead image edited thru Canva.
Most information about the tribes was from the tarpaulins posted in their respective area in the park.