Ibaloy
(also known as Nabaloi)
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 Ibaloy (Nabaloi) 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 majority of Ibaloy people reside in the Benguet province, primarily in the southeastern two-thirds of Benguet, including the municipalities of Kabayan, Bokod, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay.
CURRENT POPULATION ESTIMATE
As of the last reported data, the Ibaloy population is estimated to be around 110,000.
LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN
The Ibaloy people speak the Ibaloy language, which belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family.
BRIEF CONTEXT
The name “Ibaloy” is derived from “Ipaway,” a term used by the Kalanguyas which means “those who live in the grasslands.” This name represents the strong connection to nature and the beliefs that the Ibaloy people hold towards natural elements such as mountains, rivers, and forests. In Ibaloy mythology, the origin story is traced back to a couple who survived a great flood sent by Kabunian, a deity in their beliefs. This couple bore many children who intermarried, multiplied, and descended into the valleys of Benguet.
SPECIALIST ARTS & CULTURAL ASPECTS
The Ibaloy are known for their intricate woven products such as baskets and mats, typically made from rattan or bamboo strips. These items often serve practical purposes in agriculture and storage but also play a role in spiritual practices, where ancestral spirits, or anitos, are honored.
WEAVING TECHNIQUES
The Ibaloy employ various weaving techniques, with local terms such as "labba" (a type of woven basket) being prominent. Materials like rattan and bamboo are commonly used, and the designs often feature geometric patterns that hold cultural significance. The motifs and techniques are passed down through generations, preserving the heritage of Ibaloy craftsmanship.
MUSIC AND INSTRUMENTS
The Ibaloy music features traditional instruments such as the gangsa (gongs), which are used in various rituals and ceremonies. These musical traditions are integral to their cultural identity, reflecting the community’s values and history.
COLLECTION EXAMPLES
Examples of the many Ibaloy objects included in the Mercedes Zobel Collection of Indigenous Philippines Textiles and Artifacts are:
