Pre-Colonial Philippines and Origins of its People

Vocabulary flashcards focusing on key terminology, theories, archaeological artifacts, social structures, attire, and cultural concepts from pre-colonial Philippine history.

Volcanism Theory

A geological theory stating that the Philippine islands were formed from underwater openings that constantly released magma, which piled up until emerging above the water surface.

Continental Drift Theory

A theory proposing that the continent of Asia, including the area of the Philippines, was attached to the supercontinent Pangaea before it divided into separate continents and archipelagos.

Land Bridge Theory

A theory asserting that during the Pleistocene (Ice Age), sea levels fell about 156 feet, exposing land along continental margins that connected mainland Asia to the Philippines before melting ice submerged them.

Austronesian Migration Theory

A theory stating that the ancestors of the Filipinos were Austronesians—indigenous people who migrated from southern China using balangays (boats).

Core Population Theory

A theory proposing that ancient inhabitants gradually arrived in the Philippines from Southeast Asia through a continuous process of migration and cultural change.

Migration Theory of Otley Bayer

A controversial theory claiming Filipinos originated from successive waves of Negritos, Indonesians, and Malays migrating from Southeast Asia, which conflicts with modern archaeological findings in the Philippines.

Tabon Man

Ancient human remains consisting of a fossilized skullcap and mandible recovered in Tabon Cave, Palawan in 1962 by Dr. Robert B. Fox, dating back 22,000–24,000 years ago.

Callao Man

Ancient human foot bones recovered in the Philippines that are older than the remains of Tabon Man.

Manunggol Burial Jar

A pre-colonial burial vessel discovered in Igang Cave (Tabon Cave complex, Palawan) that is designated as a National Cultural Treasure.

Laguna Copperplate Inscription

A legal document discovered in Laguna, dated 900 AD (Saka 822), recording the full acquittal of a debt and marking the end of Philippine prehistory.

Barter

A pre-colonial trade system derived from the old word baretor in which goods and services were directly exchanged without the use of monetary currency.

Kanggan

A pre-colonial collarless, short-sleeved upper jacket worn by men, where a red jacket indicated a chief or Datu and blue or black indicated commoners.

Bahag

A lower strip of cloth wrapped around the waist worn by pre-colonial Filipino men.

Putong

A pre-colonial male headgear cloth wrapper; wearing a red putong indicated the wearer had killed a man in war, while an embroidered putong meant seven or more killed.

Baro

A pre-colonial sleeved upper jacket worn by women, also called a Camisa.

Saya

A pre-colonial lower wrap-around skirt worn by Tagalog women.

Patadyong

A pre-colonial lower wrap-around skirt worn by Visayan women.

Pintados

The name given by early Spanish writers to tattooed pre-colonial Visayans ("the painted ones"), whose facial and body tattoos served as symbols of bravery and combat records.

Bahay Kubo

A raised dwelling constructed of wood, bamboo, and nipa palm designed for tropical climates, as observed by Spanish chronicler Antonio de Morga.

Badjaos

Known as the "Sea Gypsies" of Sulu who resided in houseboats and lived in harmony with marine environments.

Balangay

An edge-joined, lashed-lug pre-colonial wooden boat built using wooden dowels and fiber lashings, used for maritime trade, transport, and as the origin of the term barangay.

Datu

The noble ruling class leader in pre-colonial society who held political power, owned land, commanded the military, and served as executive, legislative, and judicial head of a barangay.

Maharlika

The Tagalog term for freemen who owned property, accompanied the Datu in war, and retained personal liberty (also equivalent to Timawa).

Alipin

The Tagalog class of dependents who acquired their status by inheritance, war debt, or judicial sentence.

Alipin Namamahay

A type of Tagalog dependent who owned their own house and family and served the master during harvest or home construction.

Alipin Sagigilid

A type of Tagalog dependent who lived directly in the master's house and could not marry without the master's permission.

Oripun

The Visayan equivalent of the Tagalog dependent class (Alipin).

Tumataban

A category of Visayan Oripun who worked for the master only when summoned.

Tumarampuk

A category of Visayan Oripun who worked one day per week for the master.

Ayuey

A category of Visayan Oripun who worked three days per week for the master.

Bigay-kaya

A pre-colonial Tagalog bride price consisting of land, gold, or dependents given to the bride.

Panghimuyat

A pre-colonial marriage payment made to the bride's mother as compensation for rearing the bride.

Pamamalae

The pre-colonial Tagalog custom of formal courtship and marital settlement.

Sanduguan

A sacred blood compact treaty performed between chieftains to seal friendship and alliances.

Umalohokan

A pre-colonial barangay public announcer who rang a bell to announce newly promulgated laws to the community.

Bultong

A traditional northern Philippine wrestling style (practiced by the Ifugao) used as a festive sport and a judicial method to resolve land boundary disputes and interpersonal conflicts.

Bathalang Maykapal

The supreme creator deity in pre-colonial Filipino cosmology, superior to all environmental spirits and minor gods.

Baybayin

The ancient pre-colonial writing script of the Philippines consisting of 17 symbols (3 vowels representing 5 vowel sounds, and 14 consonants).