ILOCANO
29 November 2024
The pre-colonial Ilocanos, also known as the Iloko people, were a vibrant and resilient group inhabiting the northwestern coast of Luzon in the Philippines. While much of their history is shrouded in the mists of time, we can glean insights from archaeological evidence, early Spanish accounts, and surviving oral traditions.
Early Settlements and Trade
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Ilocanos were present in the region long before the arrival of the Spanish. The Ilocos region, with its fertile plains and coastal access, was a natural hub for trade. The Ilocanos were known to engage in extensive trade with neighboring groups, including the Igorots, Tingguians, and other Cordillerans, as well as with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Japanese traders. This trade network brought in goods like gold, wax, silk, textiles, rice, cotton, wine, iron, glass beads, ceramics, and stone and clay jars.
A Society of Skilled Craftspeople
The Ilocanos were known for their skills in various crafts. They were skilled farmers, fishermen, and weavers, producing high-quality textiles like abel Iloko, a handwoven fabric that became highly sought after. They also excelled in goldsmithing, pottery, and boat building, suggesting they were seafarers who ventured beyond their immediate region.
Social Structure and Leadership
The Ilocanos lived in organized settlements called íli, similar to the Tagalog barangay. Their society was structured with a class system, led by an ag túray or ári (chief) and his family. The position of chief was often inherited based on strength, wealth, and wisdom. Below the chief were wealthy babak náng who controlled trade and could potentially ascend to the chief's position. The kailianes were tenant farmers, while ubíng (servants) and tag ábu (slaves) occupied the lowest rung of society.
Religious Beliefs and Practices
The Ilocanos practiced a rich animistic religion, believing that spirits inhabited the natural world around them. Prominent deities included Buni, the god; Parsua, the creator; and Apo Langit, the lord of heaven. However, variations in beliefs existed across different settlements, influenced by neighboring groups.
The Ilocano Language and Identity
The Ilocanos referred to themselves as "Sam Toy," a contraction of "sao mi di toy," meaning "our language here." The term "Ilocano" is a Spanish adaptation of the original name. The language, Iloko, is still spoken by millions of people today.
A Legacy of Resilience and Adaptation
The pre-colonial Ilocanos were a people of strong cultural identity, skilled craftspeople, and resilient traders. Their history is a testament to their ability to adapt to challenging environments and forge connections with other groups. While much remains to be discovered about their pre-colonial past, the evidence we have suggests a rich and complex society that played a significant role in the history of the Philippines.
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