The Tinguian: Social, Religious, and Economic Life of a Philippine Tribe

"The Tinguian: Social, Religious, and Economic Life of a Philippine Tribe" by Fay-Cooper Cole is an ethnographic study written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the intricate aspects of the Tinguian people, a pagan tribe residing primarily in the mountainous province of Abra, in northwestern Luzon, Philippines. The book likely covers their societal structures, religious beliefs, and economic practices, aiming to provide a comprehensive insight into how they live and interact with their environment and one another. At the start of the text, the author introduces the Tinguian tribe, clarifying misconceptions surrounding their ethnicity and origins. Cole discusses the Tinguian's mixed ancestry, tracing their historical migrations and cultural practices that have shaped their identity. The opening portion establishes a foundation for the subsequent chapters, setting the stage for detailed explorations of the tribe's geographical relations, cycles of life from birth to death, and religious ceremonies. It highlights the contradictions in perceptions of the Tinguian, suggesting a complex, nuanced understanding of their culture that will unfold in the following discussions.