An ethnographic exploration of burial practices of Masadiit tribe in Boliney, abra Philippines

Abstract

The study is focused on the burial practices of the Masadiit Tribe specifically in Barangay Poblacion, Baoyan and Dumagas, Boliney, Abra, Philippines along their preparations, actual burial, and the post burial. There were ten Panglakayen (Elders of the tribe) including the bereaved family who served as respondents of the study. Digital cameras and mobile phones were utilized in the documentation. Unique cultural features were observed such as a ritual of singing and relaying good memories with the sick person called “Canchannag” or “urfaab”. Friends and relatives gather to show support to the sick person (Farufur) and when she/he dies Fukaang follows, a way to inform friends from other nearby places of the news. Other details on the actual and post burial practices are considered in the succeeding pages. This paper helps to awaken awareness and appreciation of the cultural setting of the tribe under study.