The Head Hunters of Northern Luzon

A seasoned U.S. Army officer and professor takes listeners on a vivid 1910 expedition across the steep, mist‑cloaked ridges of Northern Luzon. Accompanying the Philippine interior secretary, he traverses the famed Benguet Road, pausing in remote villages where stone terraces cling to cliffs and river valleys echo with traditional songs. The narrative blends personal observation with the practical concerns of a military survey, offering a clear picture of the landscape’s raw beauty and the challenges of early 20th‑century travel.

Beyond the scenery, the account immerses you in the lives of the Igorot peoples—warriors, artisans, and families whose customs range from elaborate tattooing to the dramatic head‑hunter dances. Richly illustrated with period photographs, the work details everyday activities, ceremonial gatherings, and the complex relationship between the highland communities and the colonial administration. Listeners gain a rare glimpse into a world on the brink of change, presented with the thoughtful commentary of a scholar‑officer eager to share the region’s hidden stories.