Tausug

Indigenous Communities
of Mindanao
 The Tausug

“Tausug” derives from tau, meaning

“man,” and sug, meaning “current,”
and thus translates into “people of the
current.” It refers to the majority
Islamized group in the Sulu
archipelago, their language, and
culture.
 Livelihood of the
Tausug
Farming, fishing, and trading are the principal
economic activities of the Tausug, who can be
divided into two groups: the parianon (people of
the landing) and the guimbahanon (hill people).
Political System of the
Tausug People
The raja institution was one of the
earliest political institutions in pre-
Islamic Sulu.
 Tausug Tribe Culture,
Customs and Traditions
Blood and kinship form the basis of Tausug social
relationships. The concept of usbawaris, from usba,
referring to “the kin of the father,” and waris, “the
mother’s kin,” defines the mutual role and obligations
of close relations.
 Tausug Tribe Culture, Customs
and Traditions
Ama The father of the child

Ina The mother of the child

Apu The Grandchildren

Taymanghud The relationship of siblings

Magulang The older brother/sister

Manghud The younger brother/sister

 Tausug Tribe Culture, Customs
and Traditions
Amaun The male of the father’s generation

Inaun The female of the father’s generation

Pagtunghud The cousins

Anak The child

Anakun The kin of the child’s generation

Bana The husband

Asawa The wife

Ugangan The in-laws (mother-, father-, son-, and daughter-in laws)

Ipag The brother- or sister-in-law