Philippine Pre-Colonial Period Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about the Philippine Pre-Colonial Period.

Kanggan

Sleeveless jacket worn by men in early Philippines; color indicated rank (red for chief, black/blue for commoners).

Bahag

Loincloth worn by men in the early Philippines.

Baro/Camisa

Jacket with sleeves; part of female attire in the early Philippines.

Saya/Patadyong

Long skirt worn by women in the early Philippines.

Tapis

A piece of red or white cloth worn on top of the skirt by some women in the early Philippines.

Batok

Tattoos, were another form of ornamentation, particularly among Visayans and the Kalinga people. Tattoos were considered a form of body art, and each design held a specific meaning, such as bravery, tribal affiliation, or spiritual significance.

Barangay

Basic political unit in pre-colonial Philippines, composed of 30-100 families.

Datu

Chief or leader of a barangay, responsible for governance, law enforcement, and military leadership.

Maginoo/Kagawad

Council of elders or nobles who advised the Datu in decision-making.

Batas

Customary laws in pre-colonial society, based on traditions and oral agreements.

Maginoo

The highest social class in pre-colonial society, composed of datus, lakans, and their families.

Maharlika

Warrior class of free warriors who served the datu and other nobles.

Alipin

Dependent class; individuals bound by debt, captured in war, or born into dependency.

Alipin Namamahay

Household dependents who had more freedom and autonomy; lived in their own homes and served the datu.

Alipin Saguiguilid

Lowest class of dependents; lived in the houses of their masters and had little personal freedom.

Bigay-kaya

Dowry given by the man in the form of land, gold, or dependents during marriage customs.

Paninilbihan

Custom requiring a man to work for the girl’s family before marriage.

Pamamanhikan/Pamamalae

Custom where the groom's parents meet the in-laws to haggle and make final arrangements before the marriage.

Babaylan

Tribal priest or priestess who officiated wedding ceremonies.

Asawa

Wives from monogamous men

What were wedding ceremonies like?

The wedding ceremonies vary depending on the status of the couple; but normally, those from the upper class, a go-between was employed weddings are officiated by the priestess or babaylan. Uncooked rice is thrown at the couple after the wedding
ceremony

Ornaments of the early filipinos

Ornaments in the pre-colonial Philippines were significant, reflecting wealth, status, cultural identity, and spiritual beliefs. Materials included gold, silver, beads, shells, stones, and bones.