| Abstract |
This study presents an ethnographic overview of the Higaonon culture as shown in their traditional dances, their beliefs, values and customs. It presents the Higaonon dances which explore the role of the tribe as agent of culture preservation that is gradually diminishing due to modern influences in society.
Observations and interviews were the two primary methods used to gather important data for this study. Descriptive method was also utilized to describe the meaning, movements of the arms, and the step patterns which reflect their cultural identity. Entry protocols with the tribal leaders and local government officials were properly observed.
Results of this study shows that there are seven traditional dances of the Higaonon namely: Anahaw, Binanog, Kagmalaki, Kagsabona, Kapangamote, Saut, and Talapak. Furthermore, it reveals that the Higaonon dancers have common costumes, accessories, adornment and accompaniment used in different dances. Their costume used only three colors that will identify their tribe and culture. These are the Red color which means bravery of their tribal leaders to protect the members of the tribe, the White color for purity and sincerity to their beliefs and traditions, and the Black color which stands for loyalty to their customary laws. Moreover, the Higaonon used 脙垄脗聙脗聹gong脙垄脗聙脗聺 and 脙垄脗聙脗聹tambol脙垄脗聙脗聺 for their accompaniment in all their dance presentations. The dancers used almost the same step patterns, and variations of their arm and hand movements which connote different meanings as being emphasized in each dance. |
Mindanao State
University - Iligan Institute of Technology