Traditions of the Tinguian: a Study in Philippine Folk-Lore

Listeners are invited into the world of the Tinguian, a small but vibrant tribe living in the mountains of northwestern Luzon. Drawn from sixteen months of fieldwork in 1907‑08, the stories are presented in a style that preserves the rhythm and flavor of the original oral tellings, with only modest translation. The collector records his own observations, noting how the myths intertwine with everyday life and the tribe’s complex religious rituals.

The collection is organized into three sections, beginning with a mythic cycle that introduces recurring heroes and creation motifs, followed by tales that explain the origins of sacred ceremonies, spirits, and natural phenomena, and ending with a handful of more recent narratives. Accompanying footnotes guide listeners through unfamiliar terms and cultural references, making the rich symbolism accessible without simplifying the stories. By listening, one gains a window onto the values, fears, and aspirations that have shaped Tinguian identity for generations.