Photo Credits to: www.aswangproject.com
The Vibrant Blaan Tribe of Sultan Kudarat
Through the rhythm of their feet in the sound of the “foglong” (an indigenous string instrument using wood and horse hair), the culture of the Blaan tribe of Sultan Kudarat resounds in the mountainous regions of the province.
The fascinating hand and feet gestures during their dances makes these blaan people a community with a lot of art and tales yet to be discovered.
This is one of the indigenous tribes in the Province of Sultan Kudarat. Their rich heritage flourished in the Municipality of Columbio and some far flung area of the Municipality of Lutayan.
Photo Credits: tubadmindanao.blogspot.com
Author: Arjho
Blaan's Agricultural Practices
The Blaan tribe of Sultan Kudarat thrive on agriculture, fishing and hunting. Their methodologies on these areas had been passed down from generation to generation. It proved to be effective then, it still works until now.
One of their unusual fishing technique involves using a poisonous root crop. They would spread the chopped root crop in the river which would slightly faint the fish, so that they can catch them easily.
Photo Credits: projectgora.com
Blaan's Craftmanship
Their craftsmanship in basket weaving is also fascinating. The raw materials of their crafts are usually found in the forests, in the form of “nito” (a vine native in the area) and bamboo.
The Blaan tribe of Sultan Kudarat wares are usually used by the community to store agricultural products or sold to local and international tourists visiting their community.
Photo Credits: projectgora.com
Blaan's Art and Accessories
The Blaan tribe of Sultan Kudarat art and design is similar to that of the Tboli culture of the Province of South Cotabato.
Their tribal costumes and accessories can easily be identified as the same culture. However, a close scrutiny of their entho linguistic will eventually set these two cultures apart.
Although they have preserved some elements of their culture, they are open to the possibilities of modern innovations. Most Blaan tribe of Sultan Kudarat communities are now baptized as Catholics or other Christian denominations.
Due to this, they have learned to adapt to the different changes in their community. Few of them have decided to engaged in inter cultural marriages.
This is the reason why their culture had been enriched by the cultures of other tribes such as Ilonggo, Cebuano and Ilocano.
These tribes have contributed a lot in the development of the different Blaan communities such as new techniques in backyard gardening, livestock raising and many more.
Photo From: edgedavao.net
Blaan's Selection of their Chieftain
Unique to their culture is the selection of their tribal chieftain. Unlike other tribes which is dominated by the male leader, the Blaan tribe of Sultan Kudarat is open to having a female tribal chieftain. This also depends on the succession by blood just like the other tribes.
The female tribal chieftain also enjoys the privileges of their male counterpart. Thus, they are also allowed to take on multiple husbands as long as they could afford to support their growing family.
Photo From: www.soxph.com
Blaan's Rites and Rituals
These Blaan people are very friendly and hospitable. They usually welcome strangers into their community with open arms. However, certain rites and rituals are strictly attended by members of the tribe only. One example of this is their burial rites.
Although it is rarely practiced now but in the old ways, their dead are put in a house where no living can enter for few days. This will allow the dead to transcend easily from the material to the spiritual plane. if anyone will trespass, even by accident to this house, they will be sentenced to death. Nowadays, only few family are doing this rite.
Blaan of Sultan Kudarat Qualities and Strengths
Their smiles are a reflection of their victory and resiliency amidst all the struggles they had endured as a community. Their fascinating culture will continue to color the beautiful sceneries of the Municipality of Columbio and Lutayan with their fascinating tales and anecdotes.
To be able to visit these communities and learn more about their culture, you may contact the Municipal Tourism Office of the Municipality of Columbio and Lutayan. The Blaan tribe of Sultan Kudarat communities in the Municipality of Columbio are mostly in Barangay Sinapulan, Barangay Sucob and Barangay Eday while the Blaan tribe of Sultan Kudarat community in the Municipality of Lutayan is in Sitio Tanansang.
Blaan Tribe of Sultan Kudarat FAQs
The Blaan are an indigenous Austronesian group primarily staying in the southerly parts of the Philippines, especially in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Davao Occidental.
They are understood for their rich social heritage, especially their brasswork, beadwork, and tabih weaving (a special hand-loomed abaca textile using the ikat technique).
The Blaan populace in Sultan Kudarat is spread across numerous towns, consisting of Isulan, Kalamansig, Lutayan, and Head Of State Roxas.
Many Blaan communities lie in backwoods near mountains and rivers, reflecting their typical link to the native environment.
The Blaan have exercised sustainable farming approaches for generations, concentrating on crops like rice, corn, and root veggies.
They commonly utilize a system called kaingin , which includes clearing and melting little parcels for momentary farming prior to permitting it to fallow for a number of years. The Blaan likewise employ standard irrigation strategies and organic insect control techniques.
The Blaan hold different cultural celebrations throughout the year, showcasing their lively practices and ideas. One noteworthy event is the Kapamagatsala Event , a thanksgiving ceremony for a bountiful harvest.
Various other significant parties consist of the Kulaman , a fertility ritual, and the Kasalan sa Dalaga , a coming-of-age ceremony for young women.
Numerous outstanding sources are offered for those interested in learning more concerning the Blaan tribe. Checking out Blaan communities and speaking straight with tribal participants is one of the most immersive method to obtain firsthand knowledge.
In addition, numerous museums and cultural centers in Sultan Kudarat display Blaan artifacts and displays. You can likewise locate beneficial info in various books, posts, and online resources devoted to the Blaan tribe and their remarkable society.