The Negrito and Allied Types in the Philippines and The Ilongot or Ibilao of Luzon

An early‑twentieth‑century anthropologist spent nearly a decade living among the Philippines’ remote peoples, producing one of the most systematic examinations of the Negrito groups ever recorded. Drawing on meticulous field notes and measurements taken between 1901 and 1909, the work sets out to show how these small‑statured communities have been largely overlooked in discussions of regional ethnology.

The study focuses on a nearly pure Negrito village on the slopes of Mount Mariveles, where every adult was measured for height, arm span, head shape and nasal dimensions. The data reveal strikingly low statures, unusually long arms, and characteristic round heads and broad noses—features the author argues are key markers of Negrito heritage. By comparing these figures with those of neighboring “Malayan” groups, the author demonstrates the pervasive, though often hidden, presence of Negrito ancestry throughout the islands.

Beyond its raw statistics, the book offers a vivid picture of daily life, social organization and the challenges of early fieldwork, making it a valuable reference for anyone interested in the complex tapestry of Philippine human diversity.