In the southern Philippines, there are a large number of indigenous practices given the large number of indigenous groups that reside in this part of the Philippines. Because colonization came much later or not at all to this part of the country, the southern Philippines retains a high amount of indigenous practices.
In Mindanao, the two large indigenous groups can be divided into Moros and Lumads. Moros are the ethnic groups that have converted to Islam and retain a large number of Indian and Malay cultural influences complete with a history of being sultanates, while Lumads are largely Animist tribes that lived in less stratified societies.
Traditional clothing differs depending on the indigenous ethnolinguistic group, but major differences can be seen when dividing the groups between the Moros and Lumads.
- In Moro groups, silk and cotton are part of traditional malong and blouses. Gold fiber is part of Inaul fabric of the Maguindanao people.
- Moro men wear a kopiah, a local version of a songkok, a cap worn by Muslim men in Southeast Asia.
- Lumad groups use abaca-based textiles to make their textiles, particularly the t’nalak of the T’boli and the dagmay of the Bagobo.
- Some textiles are known for their complex designs, including the “Saputangan” of the Yakan people, known to be one of the most complex weaves in the country.
Traditional beliefs and celebrations in Mindanao show the many unique cultural practices of the many indigenous peoples. Here are a few notable cultural practices:
- The Subanen people have a thanksgiving feast called Buklog, with one of the features of the celebration being an elevated wooden structure that resonates with a sound believed to please the spirits.
- Spirit houses are a tradition in some indigenous peoples, including the Manobo. Food offerings are left in front of the makeshift structure.
- Dream weaving is another indigenous practice seen in many Lumad peoples. The T’boli people believe the designs are given to them in dreams by the god Fu Dalu.
- Healing rituals like the Ipat of the Maguindanao people reflect the belief that human existence is governed by elemental spirits called Tonong and needs to be appeased. While the Maguindanao are predominantly Muslim, they still follow many Animist beliefs. The ritual lasts multiple days and is meditated by a shaman who enters a trance.
- The Yakan have a unique wedding tradition called tanyak-tanyak, a facial painting made of rice flour and water. The geometric designs are applied to the face with bamboo tools and represent the moon and stars, and are reserved for marriage rituals.
- Langgal is the traditional home of worship for Muslims in Tawi-Tawi. It is a sacred place for community prayers and celebrations.
- Food offerings to ancestors and to the djinn are part of the traditional belief systems of the Sama-Bajau people.
Traditional instruments are also very much a part of the local culture.
- Gong culture is a big part of both Lumad and Moro indigenous groups. Kulintang ensembles are a big part of Moro culture.
- Boat lutes are also a huge part of both Lumad and Moro peoples.
