About

A photo of Igorots as part of the Human Zoo.

The Igorots are Indigenous peoples of the mountainous Cordillera region in the northern Philippines. The term "Igorot" was given to them by Spanish colonizers, derived from the word igorotes (people of the mountains), and refers to a collection of different ethno-linguistic groups, rather than a single tribe. They are known for their advanced rice terrace engineering, gold mining, distinct textiles, and resilient culture, which historically helped them maintain independence from Spanish and American rule.

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Origin and Identity

Austronesian Ancestry:

Igorot peoples are Austronesian, with genetic studies showing their ancestry from the ancient Austronesian expansion originating in Southern China and Taiwan around 3000-2000 BCE. The igorots are among the closest living genetic representatives of the original Austronesian expansion and have a high degree of genetic affinity with indigenous Taiwanese groups. 

The Austronesian people have recently been dubbed as the "Vikings of Asia".

The label "Vikings of Asia" highlights the extraordinary seafaring prowess of the Austronesian peoples, who embarked on a massive oceanic expansion thousands of years before the Norsemen. The comparison captures Austronesians' skill in navigation and their widespread influence, but it also glosses over key differences in technology, motivation, and the outcome of their voyages.

Geographic Location:

They reside in the Cordillera Central mountain range in the northern part of Luzon, the largest island of the Philippines.

Diverse Groups:

"Igorot" is a broad term encompassing various distinct ethnolinguistic groups, such as the Ifugao, Kalinga, Bontoc, Kankanaey, Ibaloy, and Tinnguian, among others.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Rice Terraces:

The Igorot are renowned for their sophisticated rice terrace systems, which represent some of the most advanced and largest in the world.

Resistance to Colonization:

Due to their mountainous terrain and strong warrior traditions, the Igorot successfully resisted Spanish and American attempts at complete colonization, allowing them to preserve their cultural and political autonomy.

Traditional Beliefs:

Many Igorot people practiced native beliefs, often described as animism, which involved reverence for ancestral spirits and nature. Since the American colonization in 1898, the majority of Igorots became Episcopalian, Anglican, Protestant, and Pentecostal Christians.

Igorot Presence in the United States:

In 1904, a group of Igorot people were brought to St. Louis, Missouri, United States, for the St. Louis World's Fair. They constructed the Igorot Village in the Philippine Exposition section of the fair, which became one of the most popular exhibits. The following year (1905), a group of igorots were transplanted from the Philippines to New York's famous Coney Island amusement park and went on to tour the United States, performing mock tribal ceremonies and consuming dog meat for millions of curious and horrified Americans. (National Georgraphic)