SOUTHERN TRIBAL
(LUMAD) SUITE
Spiritual, Ancestral, Ritualistic
The Southern end of the Philippine archipelago is also home to other indigenous Filipino groups who have been virtually untouched by the waves of repeated colonization. On the island of Mindanao, live several animistic tribes, such as the T’Boli, Manobo, Bagobo, Bilaan, and Subanon. Often these groups live in forest and lake regions, and so their dances reflect the movements of birds, squirrels, and other forest animals. Other dances depict rituals of thanksgiving and supplication to the gods. Known for their skill in weaving and jewelry making, these groups are among those considered as the best dressed tribes in the Philippines.
PAMANA’s Southern Tribal repertoire is one that features authentic costuming and movements. The intricate percussive beats used in this region of the Philippines have been faithfully replicated by PAMANA musicians in this Suite. Below are some of many dances in this suite that PAMANA perform.
Scroll down, to know more about the musical instruments for this suite!
Kadal Tajo
Description: This is a dance of the the T’boli from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, in which dancers imitate the movement of the tahaw birds. More specifically, the dancers imitate a group of birds in which one of them is injured and the others encourage her to fly again. It is usually performed during planting and harvesting seasons. The T’boli are known as the best-dressed indigenous groups in the Philippines. PAMANA performs this dance with entirely authentic costumes and accessories, acquired directly from the hands of the T’boli in South Cotabato.
Dance variations includes: 4-5 female dancers. Video portfolio of this dance coming soon.
Sohten
Description: Originating from the Lupayan District, Zamboanga del Norte, this is a traditional all-male pre-battle ritual dance of the Subanon tribe. The warriors carry shields and cut dried palm leaves. They perform soaring, combative gestures to appease the gods and to be successful in war.
Dance variations includes: 4-8 male dancers.
Video portfolio of this dance coming soon.
Blit B'laan
Description: This is courtship dance of Davao Del Sur imitating forest bird during mating seasons. It is perform of the rhythm offaglong. The dancers revolved around thetwo male bird in pursued in the femalebird. A tabular cloth called a malongisused by the female dancers to representthe birds wing. Much of PAMANA's late founder, Leticia Bulotano-Wheeler, has focused on preserving the intangible culture of the B'laan people. In honour of her work, PAMANA brought Blit B'laan dance into the stage for the first time in 2018.
Dance variations includes: 3 female dancers, 2 male dancers. Video portfolio of this dance coming soon.
Dugso
Description: a ceremonial dance by the Manobo people in the province of Bukidnon on the island of Mindanao. This was at one time a secret ritual performed only by women. Traditionally, the only music in this dance was from the brass bells worn around the women’s ankles, meant to accentuate their complex footwork. It is believed that the smoke from the fire in the ceremonial pot will bring their prayers and thanksgiving to the gods.
Dance variations includes: 3-5 female dancers.
Video portfolio of this dance coming soon.
THE SOUNDS OF THE DANCE SUITE
SOUTHERN TRIBAL (LUMAD) SUITE - MULTIPLE
PERCUSSION/WIND/STRINGS in this suite:
Music and instruments in Southern Tribal varies across the different indigenous groups of Mindanao. What binds them all together is that they all center around the lumads’ closeness to nature. The agong is used to create a deep sound that resonates across stage, bringing this sense of closeness to the ground.
