The Wild Tribes of Davao District, Mindanao The R. F. Cummings Philippine Expedition

Immersing listeners in a vivid early‑twentieth‑century expedition, this work follows an assistant curator who spent seven months living among the peoples of Davao District in Mindanao. Through careful observation he records the daily lives, crafts, and customs of the region’s many groups—detailing everything from intricately beaded jewelry and woven baskets to the design of bamboo guitars and hunting tools. The narrative also captures the fluid nature of tribal identities, showing how migration, trade, and intermarriage blur the lines between distinct communities.

The author’s field notes are enriched with a wealth of illustrations that bring the material culture to life, offering a tactile sense of the bracelets, rice mortars, and woven patterns that define each group. As the expedition progresses, unexpected challenges arise, including a serious illness that forces a temporary retreat from the tropics. Listeners will gain an intimate portrait of a world on the cusp of change, framed by the curiosity and dedication of a pioneering anthropologist.