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The Country and its People / People / Other Cultural Minorities / Ifugao

Number: 180,000

Region: north of Luzon in Kiangan, Banaue and Mayaoyao towns of Ifugao provinces, and east of the central range

Physical Features: red skinned, with long coarse hair, athletic build

Dialect: Ifugao, Ilocano

Religion: Many are Anglican Christians, but traditionally they are animists, worshipping wooden idols. Their deities are called anitos. Ifugaos perform rituals such as the "canao" for good harvests, health and fertility.

Integration: The Ifugaos are in the process of integrating with the majority Filipinos.

Community: The authority of local government officials is recognized despite the presence of native leaders.

Traditional Form of Settlement: 20 to 30 houses on a plain or hill; inhabitants are all related.

Technological Level: Electric household appliances and modern consumer items are commonly used in Ifugao households.

Education: Elementary schools are in almost all villages, therefore literacy rate is high. Due to the Ifugaos close association with US missionaries, almost 50% of the population can read and write some English. Those who have high educational attainments commonly identify themselves as Ilocanos.

Employment: The majority of the Ifugaos are farmers. But many Ifugaos are integrated into the modern world of labor, either in the government or the private sector. There are even Ifugao Catholic priests and nuns. Many Ifugaos are employed as workers in mining and logging industries.

Traditional Mode of Dress: G-strings and little jackets with short sleeves for older men; knee length skirts and woven shirts or jackets for women.

Traditional Adornments: Gold and brass ornaments, beads, agates, or mother-of-pearl for both sexes. For men, spears.

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