Ga’dang
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 Ga'dang 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
Historical: The Ga'dang people historically inhabited the higher grounds of the eastern Cordillera region in the Philippines, particularly around Paracelis in Mountain Province.
Present: Today, the Ga'dang primarily reside in the municipalities of Paracelis, Natonin, and Barlig in Mountain Province, as well as in the northern parts of the Cagayan Valley region.
CURRENT POPULATION ESTIMATE
As of recent estimates, the Ga'dang population is approximately 30,000 individuals. Population figures can vary due to migration and intermarriage with other ethnic groups.
LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN
The Ga'dang people speak the Ga'dang language, which belongs to the Northern Luzon subgroup of the Austronesian language family. The language is closely related to the languages of neighboring indigenous groups.
BRIEF CONTEXT
The Ga'dang name means "people of the highlands" and reflects their historical and cultural connection to mountainous regions. Traditionally, they were semi-nomadic, practicing shifting cultivation and relying on hunting and gathering.
SPECIALIST ARTS & CULTURAL ASPECTS
BEADWORK
Intricate beadwork and embroidery are integral to the Ga’dangs traditional attire and cultural heritage. This beadwork often incorporates semiprecious stones and is used to embellish their vibrant and colorful costumes.
Their beadwork, known as "manu'bak" and embroidery called "ameru," are not merely decorative but carry significant cultural narratives and heritage. This craftsmanship is often passed down through generations, ensuring that the community's cultural identity remains vibrant and intact.
Amparo Balansi Mabanag, has been recognized for her exceptional skills in beadwork and embroidery. Mabanag's work not only showcases the aesthetic beauty of Ga'dang textiles but also serves as a means of cultural preservation. Her contributions have earned her the prestigious Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) award, highlighting her role in maintaining and promoting Ga'dang traditions.
WEAVING
Weaving is a central craft among the Ga'dang. The process involves several traditional steps:
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Massinun (Preparation): Cotton (kapat) is spun into threads and dyed with plant-based dyes.
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Backstrap Loom: The loom is used for weaving. This technique allows the weaver to adjust the tension by leaning back, hence the name "backstrap loom."
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Designs and Motifs: Ga'dang textiles feature intricate patterns, including the inammata (sinakung) which is an elaborate design, lallad (striped patterns), ilintuwan (teeth-like patterns), and annalifambang (butterfly designs).
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Embellishments: The textiles are often decorated with ammeru (embroidery) and bukat (small glass beads).
BASKET WEAVING
The Ga'dang also excel in basket weaving, using materials like rattan. These baskets are functional for daily use and ceremonial purposes.
MUSIC AND DANCE
Traditional Ga'dang music includes the use of the gansa (gong), while dances such as the Bumbuwak (courtship dance) and Tontak (ensemble dance) are performed during various ceremonies and celebrations.
SPECIALIST ANTHROPOLOGICAL BELIEFS
The Ga'dang maintain a rich spiritual life that includes belief in anitos (spirits) and makammang (shamans) who conduct rituals to communicate with ancestors and nature spirits. Ceremonial objects like the karasiya (porcelain bowl) and baggat (rice grains) are used in rituals.
COLLECTION EXAMPLES
Examples of the many Ga'dang objects included in the Mercedes Zobel Collection of Indigenous Philippines Textiles and Artifacts are:
