Page 17 - SAMAHAN 40TH ANNIVERSARY SOUVENIR BOOKLET - INFO ONLY PGS.1-23

Tribal Dances of Southern Philippines

The influence of Hindu, Arabic and Indo-
Malayan cultures is reflected in the music, dance
and costumes of the people who live in the southern
Philippines – the island of Mindanao and the Sulu
Archipelago. Included in this group are Filipinos who
th
embraced the Islamic religion early in the 14 cen-
tury. Called Moros by the Spaniards, after the Mos-
lem Moors, these people have resisted all attempts at
Christianization.
The dances, particularly of the Maguindanao,
the Maranao, and the Tausug, are largely ceremonial
and are accompanied by percussion instruments such
as gongs, known as the Kulintang, and drums. The
presence of Indian influences, introduced by Hindu-
Malays, is prominent in the dance called Kandingan,
a Tausug wedding dance; in the Lanao dance Singkil,
performed in the presence of the Maranao royal fam-
ily; in the Sagayan, a Maranao and Maguindanao war
dance recalling the exploits of the great Muslim war-
rior Bantugan; in the Pangalay, performed with ex-
pressive hand movements in varied versions among
the Tausog, Badjao and Samal; in the Tahing Baila, a
Yakan dance for a bountiful fish catch; and in the
Lunsay, a popular Jama Mapun community song-and-
dance number performed during wedding celebra-
tions.” Other known dances include Malong, Binay-
lan, Asik, Kuntao, Kadal Blelah .
Kulintang music has been practiced since the 3rd
century A.D., before the coming of Islam and Christi-
anity. It is celebratory music that brings people to-
gether, performed during weddings, festivities, for
healing rituals, and to drive away evil spirits. The mu-
sic is never played in funerals or Islamic observances

40th Anniversary SAMAHAN Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center