Alizza

Clare Marie M. Tangliben 12 – Prowess

Ifugao: Bulubunduking Buhay

The Ifugaos, an ethnic group from the cordillera regions, are well known
across the Philippines and even other countries because of their infamous rice
terraces. But the terraces are not the only notable thing about them. Many find their
rich culture and lifestyle interesting - from their daily life as hardworking farmers,
creative weavers, to their ancient rituals and idols.

The documentary features the daily lives and culture of the Ifugao. We can
see the figures and routines that have become a symbol of their culture, which we
can also call as their art. One of these is the bulul, a carved wooden figure used to
guard the rice crop. These are treated as sacred figures because of their belief in
rituals how important farming is to them. Another art form that they have is weaving.
They weave cloth for personal use, economic purposes, and cultural preservation.
Whatever purpose the cloth serves, it still resembles the creativity of the Ifugao.
Architecture can also be considered if you look their own way of building and the
design of their houses. Aside from that, the Ifugaos also have their songs, chants,
and dances. They sing, chant, and dance as a form of entertainment and as part of
their rituals for their gods.

By watching the documentary, I gained a different understanding of traditional

art in traditional cultures. First of all, I realised that they are literally passed down
from generation to generation, as what the artists in the video said. From finished
products like the bulul, houses, and weaved cloth, to the skills needed to make them,
the artists inherited them all from their ancestors. Second, they make use of what is
around them. The artists are resourceful when making art. Like with the making of
their houses, they build them without any nails because it was not available in their
community back then. So they just use creativity to make the most of what they have.
Third, the traditional art of the Ifugaos serve a different purpose to them than what
modern art's purpose is to us. For modern art, the purpose is more for aesthetic and
entertainment. As for traditional art, these are more used and incorporated into their
daily lives.

Although having an established culture and community, the Ifugaos can't help
but be affected by problems and demands of the modern world. The designs of their
cloth are now different from the traditional ones. This is because the Ifugaos need
money to live and the demand for their art is dictated by the wants if the tourists so
they had to change their designs. Also, their sculptures and other prized possessions
are deemed less important by younger generations, causing a decline in their
ownership and production.

The documentary gives us a glimpse of the life of the Ifugaos and their rich
culture. Furthermore, it gives us awareness of the art that is present within our
country. It gives us awareness of the importance that it serves to the Ifugaos and to
us Filipinos in general because we are part of one nation. So we must also act as
one to preserve and enrich our beautiful culture.