The T'boli Tribe of South Cotabato
The T’boli Tribe of South Cotabato
The T’boli people consist one of the most musical and colorful tribes in the Philippines, distinguished by woven fabrics, complicated beadwork, brass ornaments, and various musical instruments and dances. They, like most tribes, have a very traditional way of life, and act as one with nature. They are found living in South Cotabato, South Mindanao, around Lake Sebu, but also have gradually moved to mountain slopes in scattered settlements around the Highlands. There is an estimate of 100,000 to 150,000 of them.
Culture
Their culture is richly attuned to nature. They have dances that mimic the actions of animals, and play several musical instruments, not just for entertainment, but for a source of wisdom as well through song.
Religion
More than 95% of the tribe still holds their animistic religions, as they were hardly influenced by the spread of Islam and Christianity. They believe that everything has a spirit, which, for good fortune, must be respected.
Resources
The T’boli tribe makes use of their resources, especially land, through agriculture. They use the technique called “slash and burn” to have arable land. Their most important agricultural products are rice, cassava, and yams. These people, in addition to farming, hunt and fish as well. To accomplish great amounts of weaving, they make use of the different fibers they have harvested.
Environmental Threats
A hotly debated environmental issue regarding the region of South Cotabato, in which the T'boli tribe reside in, is mining. The environmental impact of mining is greatly dangerous to the Earth and to the surrounding people, as it includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and the contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water. Fortunately, a ban on open pit mining will remain a major stumbling block for Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) to develop the Tampakan project. This ban will be implemented until 2016, and continues to be
The T’boli people consist one of the most musical and colorful tribes in the Philippines, distinguished by woven fabrics, complicated beadwork, brass ornaments, and various musical instruments and dances. They, like most tribes, have a very traditional way of life, and act as one with nature. They are found living in South Cotabato, South Mindanao, around Lake Sebu, but also have gradually moved to mountain slopes in scattered settlements around the Highlands. There is an estimate of 100,000 to 150,000 of them.
Culture
Their culture is richly attuned to nature. They have dances that mimic the actions of animals, and play several musical instruments, not just for entertainment, but for a source of wisdom as well through song.
Religion
More than 95% of the tribe still holds their animistic religions, as they were hardly influenced by the spread of Islam and Christianity. They believe that everything has a spirit, which, for good fortune, must be respected.
Resources
The T’boli tribe makes use of their resources, especially land, through agriculture. They use the technique called “slash and burn” to have arable land. Their most important agricultural products are rice, cassava, and yams. These people, in addition to farming, hunt and fish as well. To accomplish great amounts of weaving, they make use of the different fibers they have harvested.
Environmental Threats
A hotly debated environmental issue regarding the region of South Cotabato, in which the T'boli tribe reside in, is mining. The environmental impact of mining is greatly dangerous to the Earth and to the surrounding people, as it includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and the contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water. Fortunately, a ban on open pit mining will remain a major stumbling block for Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) to develop the Tampakan project. This ban will be implemented until 2016, and continues to be