YAKAN TRIBE

Introduction
■ The Yakan tribe is an indigenous group in the Philippines, mainly found
in the Basilan province. They are known for their vibrant traditional
attire, intricate weaving, and rich cultural heritage. Yakan textiles,
particularly their woven mats and clothing, are highly prized for their
craftsmanship and designs. Their community values close-knit family ties
and has preserved many aspects of their traditional way of life despite
modern
Religious beliefs of Yakan
■ The Yakan people are predominantly Muslim, practicing Sunni Islam.
Their religious beliefs and practices are influenced by Islamic teachings,
including daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and adherence to
Islamic customs and traditions.
Customs and traditions of Yakan
■ The Yakan tribe has rich customs and traditions, including their
vibrant traditional attire, intricate weaving techniques, and close-
knit family values. They place a strong emphasis on hospitality and
respect for elders. Additionally, they have unique ceremonies and
rituals for important life events such as weddings, births, and
funerals. Their culture also includes storytelling, music, and dance as
integral parts of community life, helping to preserve their heritage
for future generations.
Family houses of Yakan
■ The Yakan tribe traditionally lives in wooden stilt houses known as “luwa.” These
houses are elevated above the ground to protect against flooding and pests. They
typically have steeply pitched roofs made of thatch or cogon grass, with bamboo walls
and floors. The design of the Yakan house allows for natural ventilation and is adapted
to the tropical climate of the Philippines. Inside, the houses are divided into different
areas for sleeping, cooking, and socializing, reflecting the close-knit family structure of
the Yakan community.
Dialects
■ The Yakan people speak the Yakan language, which has various dialects. Additionally,
many are proficient in Tagalog and Arabic due to cultural influences.
Places/ areas They occupy/ Inhabit
■ The Yakan people mainly inhabit the island of Basilan in the Philippines. They are
concentrated in the municipalities of Lamitan, Tipo-Tipo, and Sumisip, as well as in the
city of Isabela. Within these areas, they have established communities where they
practice their traditional way of life and preserve their cultural heritage.
Population
■ As of my last update, the population of the Yakan people in the Philippines is estimated
to be around 110,000. However, population figures can fluctuate over time due to
various factors such as migration, natural disasters, and changes in birth rates.
Occupation/livelihood
■ The Yakan people traditionally engage in agriculture, fishing, and weaving. Some also
work in education, government, and tourism.
Fashion/accessories/Dress/clothing
■ The Yakan people are known for their vibrant traditional attire, which includes colorful
garments and accessories. Women typically wear a “sablay,” a rectangular piece of
cloth wrapped around the body like a skirt, paired with a matching “blusa,” a blouse
adorned with intricate embroidery. They also wear headscarves and accessorize with
beaded jewelry and brass belts. Men traditionally wear a “kutang,” a loose-fitting shirt,
paired with “sawwal,” trousers that taper at the ankles. They accessorize with headgear,
sashes, and traditional weapons as symbols of status and identity.
Special cuisine/delicacies/Favourite food
■ The Yakan cuisine features a variety of dishes influenced by their cultural heritage and
the local ingredients available on the island of Basilan. Some traditional Yakan
delicacies include: Piyanggang Manok, Tiulah Itum, Sambal, and Tiyula Itum
Epic songs
■ One of the epic songs of the Yakan people is
“Parang Sabil,” which recounts heroic tales of
legendary warriors and battles for honor and
freedom.
Dances/instruments
■ The Yakan people have traditional dances accompanied by percussion instruments like
the kulintang, agong, and dabakan, adding vibrancy to their cultural expression.
Rituals
■ The Yakan people have rituals for important life events, religious ceremonies, and
agricultural activities, involving prayers, offerings, traditional dances, and community
participation.
Superstitious Beliefs

■ The Yakan people have superstitions about

spirits, dreams, and taboos, influencing their
daily lives and practices.
Lifestyle (Practice)

■ The Yakan people lead a lifestyle centered

around community, traditional practices like
agriculture and handicrafts, and adherence to
Islamic customs.
Celebrating special days:
-Birthdays/Courting/wedding and marriage/Death
and burial Beliefs and traditions
■ The Yakan people celebrate religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, along
with traditional festivals like Yakan Day. They also mark important life events with
feasting, prayers, and rituals.
■ The Yakan people celebrate birthdays with family gatherings, courtship involves
traditional practices and family approval, weddings are elaborate events with rituals and
feasting, and death is marked with community support, Islamic burial customs, and
mourning rituals.
GLOSSARY
Agal – Headgear worn by men

Ama’ – Father

Bansak – Traditional cloth

Bura’ – Traditional Yakan hat

Buras – A bamboo tube used for cooking rice

Diyandi – Yakan festival

Gawang – Traditional Yakan bolo

Hikal – Traditional Yakan boat

Ina’ – Mother

Kanduli – Yakan thanksgiving ritual

Kasilum – Traditional Yakan belt

Kotok – Traditional Yakan earrings

Kurug – Yakan necklace

Lapis – Traditional Yakan skirt for women

■ Lumah – Yakan community leader
GLOSSARY
Pakapak – Yakan woven mat

Sakina – Traditional Yakan brassware

Sakuray – Traditional Yakan ladle

Salimbal – Yakan basket

Sambolayang – Yakan sword

Sanggayan – Traditional Yakan tray

Sawal – Traditional Yakan pants for men

Sumanga’ – Traditional Yakan house

Sunsulay – Traditional Yakan bracelet

Tabek – Traditional Yakan knife

Talipapay – Yakan market

Taluk – Yakan traditional dish

Tepo – Traditional Yakan blouse for women

Tiyuwa – A traditional Yakan dance

■ Yakan – The indigenous tribe of Basilan province in the Philippines
Assessment
What are the traditional occupations and livelihoods of the Yakan tribe?
How does the Yakan tribe’s social structure and community organization
contribute to their cultural cohesion?
What are some significant rituals or ceremonies practiced by the Yakan
tribe, and what do they signify?
How has modernization and external influences affected the traditional way
of life of the Yakan people?
1. What role do women play in Yakan society, and how has it evolved
over time?