Ifugao

Ifugao Ifugao is a province of the Philippines in the Region of Luzon. It is located in a mountainous region characterized by rough landscape, river valleys and massive forests. Banaue Rice Terraces are the main tourist attractions in the province. These terraces were artificially made by man and without the use of machinery. Level steps were provided so the natives can plant rice. During harvest time, the women are the ones incharge, while the men are incharge of cooking the food for the women after planting.
The Ifugao’s are known for their weaving crafts and basketry. These are tasks done only by the women. Traditionally, weaving is done for family needs, but it is also done for commercial purposes. The men are skilled wood carvers and metal workers. Wedding ceremonies are performed traditionally in which selected elders will carry out the ceremony to wed the new couple. This traditional wedding ceremony has also a lot of practices.
But generally, the ceremony is being done in the house of the bride in which the selected old people guided by an anointed elder priest, known as the Mumbaki, will butcher animals then sing the traditional wedding verses. After that, the old people will perform traditional dances in front of the newly-wed couple. Throughout the wedding, family members and relatives will join and perform native dances. The Ifugao’s practice a number of rituals.

Some of these rituals are Hingot, the ritual which announces the coming together of two families; Amung, a sacrificial ritual wherein the gods and the family’s ancestors are asked to make the body healthy, the mother well and strong, and the family wealthy; Uya-uy, a ritual of feasting; Ketema, a ritual that’s supposed to identify the spirit who caused a certain sickness. Ayag; and Kolot, a ritual for the first cutting of child’s hair. They also practice rituals during planting and harvestation. In general, these rituals were prayers and requests to the gods.