Kankana-ey
GUIDANCE
Please note that the information provided below is aimed to give a very general, introductory overview. There may be variations in practices and beliefs among different sets of Kankana-ey communities that reside in the Philippines. Additionally, some of the language or materials presented may be rooted, unknowingly, with a colonial context or contain words, terms, and phrases that may be inaccurate, derogatory, and harmful towards the people of the Philippines and its subsequent diasporic communities. The content and material presented within the Bahay Ugnayan website do not represent the staff or the owners' views; they are presented simply as information to be absorbed, interpreted, and corrected, if necessary. All associated parties linked to Bahay Ugnayan hold strong anti-colonial, anti-racist positions and support the present and historically marginalized and disenfranchised communities of the Philippines.
LOCATION
Historically and presently, the Kankana-ey people predominantly reside in the provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, and parts of Ilocos Sur, Ifugao, Abra, and Northern Nueva Vizcaya. Their communities are often situated in the upland areas, where they practice terrace farming.
CURRENT POPULATION ESTIMATE
As of recent estimates, the Kankana-ey population is approximately 286,000. This makes them one of the larger indigenous groups within the Cordillera Administrative Region
LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN
The Kankana-ey people speak the Kankana-ey language, which belongs to the Northern Philippine subgroup of the Austronesian language family. There are distinct local languages within the Kankana-ey language, which differ between the Northern and Southern Kankana-ey groups.
BRIEF CONTEXT
The Kankana-ey have a mastery of high-altitude agriculture, particularly terrace farming. This is reflected in their sustainable farming and environmental management methods. Despite external influences over centuries, the Kankana-ey have maintained a strong sense of cultural identity.
SPECIALIST ARTS & CULTURAL ASPECTS
The Kankana-ey people are renowned for their brass gong making which are rich in cultural significance and artistry.
WEAVING & TEXTILES
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The Kankana-ey people for the most part, utilize traditional backstrap looms to create their textiles, a technique that has been passed down through generations. This method involves weaving patterns that are deeply embedded with symbolic meanings and cultural heritage. Some of the common materials used in Kankana-ey weaving include:
- Abaca: Known for its strength and durability.
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The symbolism and patterns in Kankana-ey weaving often include motifs such as:
- Geometric designs: Representing natural elements like mountains and rivers.
- Animal figures: Symbolizing different traits and cultural stories.
POTTERY
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Traditional Kankana-ey pottery, especially from the Bila community, is another significant art form. The process includes:
- Clay sourcing: Clay is gathered from specific locations known for their quality, such as "boga" and "kammagang" clays from Bila.
- Clay preparation: The clay is screened, kneaded, and mixed with water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Shaping: Pots are shaped using a potter’s wheel and various tools like the "bayangan" (wooden tray) and "pak-pak" (wooden spatula).
- Smoothing and drying: The pots are smoothed with a polishing stone and dried in the sun.
- Firing: The final stage involves firing the pots in a kiln and applying a glaze called "libo," sourced from the Almaciga tree. This glaze gives the pots a distinctive black-brownish finish
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These artistic practices are not only a testament to the Kankana-ey people's craftsmanship but also serve as a means of preserving their cultural heritage and expressing their identity through art.
SPECIALIST ANTHROPOLOGICAL BELIEFS
The Kankana-ey have a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices. They perform various rituals during life events such as weddings, planting, and harvest. Traditional beliefs in spirits and ancestral worship remain prevalent. Rituals often involve the butchering of animals and other ceremonial practices aimed at appeasing spirits and ensuring community well-being.
COLLECTION EXAMPLES
Examples of the many Kankana-ey objects included in the Mercedes Zobel Collection of Indigenous Philippines Textiles and Artifacts are:
REFERENCES
[Igorotage - The Kankana-ey People of the Cordilleras]
[Joshua Project - Kankanaey, Kibungan in Philippines people group profile]
[The Aswang Project - Kankana-ey Beliefs]
[Materials, Functions and Weaving Patterns of Philippine Indigenous Baskets - DocsLib]
[Weaving Symmetry of the Philippine Northern Kankana-ey - Archium.Ateneo]
[Keeping the Cultural Heritage of Northern Kankanaey Traditional Potters Alive - Pressenza]