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Kalinga

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 Kalinga 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 Kalinga people historically inhabited the mountains of the Cordillera region in Northern Luzon, Philippines. Their territory included the rugged areas along the Chico River basin.

Present: Today, the Kalinga are primarily found in Kalinga province in the Cordillera Administrative Region. They live in municipalities such as Tabuk, Lubuagan, and Tinglayan.

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CURRENT POPULATION ESTIMATE

The Kalinga population is estimated to be around 201,000 individuals according to recent census data.

LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN

The Kalinga people speak the Kalinga language, which belongs to the Northern Luzon group of Philippine languages. Various dialects exist within the Kalinga language, reflecting the diversity within the community.

BRIEF CONTEXT

The name "Kalinga" is derived from the Ibanag and Ga’dang term "kalinga," which means "enemy" or "fighter," reflecting their reputation as fierce warriors. The Kalinga have a rich history of resistance against colonization, maintaining their independence through both peaceful negotiations and armed conflict.

SPECIALIST ARTS & CULTURAL ASPECTS

WEAVING

Kalinga weaving is known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. The traditional backstrap loom, locally known as ablan, is used in the weaving process. The weaving steps include:

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- Preparation: Cotton threads are spun and dyed using natural dyes derived from plants.
 

- Weaving: The weaver uses the backstrap loom, adjusting tension with their body to create intricate designs.
 

- Designs and Motifs: Common motifs include geometric patterns, nature-inspired designs such as the sinan-bituwon (star); gayaman (centipede). The vibrant red, black, and white color scheme is symbolic, often representing life, warfare, and peace.

TATTOOING

Traditional Kalinga tattooing, known as batok, is an ancient practice symbolizing beauty, bravery, and social status. The tattoos are created using bamboo sticks and thorn ink, with designs including snakes, centipedes, and tribal patterns.

MUSIC AND DANCE

Kalinga music features instruments such as the tongatong (bamboo percussion), ullalim (epic chant), and gansa (gong). Dances like the salip (courtship dance) and taddok (festival dance) are performed during rituals and celebrations.

SPECIALIST ANTHROPOLOGICAL BELIEFS

The Kalinga have a deep spiritual connection to nature, with beliefs centered around anitos (spirits) and mandadawak (shamans/ritual specialists) who perform rituals to communicate with these spirits. Ceremonies often involve offerings such as tapuy (rice wine) and lawit (animal sacrifices) to ensure prosperity and harmony.

COLLECTION EXAMPLES

Examples of the many Kalinga objects included in the Mercedes Zobel Collection of Indigenous Philippines Textiles and Artifacts are:

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