Ifugao


Ifugao

 

a people living in central Luzon (Philippines). Population, 100, 000 (1970, estimate). Their language is related to the Indonesian languages. Most of the Ifugao have retained their ancient religious beliefs (headhunting was part of their rites until the early 20th century), although some have been converted to Christianity. The chief occupation is hoe cultivation. On the mountain slopes is found one of the most extensive systems of rice terraces in the world. Corn, taro, sweet potatoes, yams, and cotton are also cultivated, and the most important domestic animals are chickens and pigs. Handicrafts such as weaving, plaiting, and blacksmithing are well developed.

REFERENCES

Barton, R. F. “Ifugao, malaiskoe plemia nagornoi chasti Filippin.” In the collection Sovetskaia etnografiia, nos. 1–2. Moscow, 1931.
Narody lugo-Vostochnoi Azii. Moscow, 1966.
Conklin, H. C. Ifugao Bibliography. New Haven, 1968.