Mamanwa Ritual Dances of Surigao del Sur

Abstract

Mamanwa ritual dances do not only define but also, more importantly, direct the choreographic ideas and history of the Mamanwas. The purpose of this ethnographic study was to ascertain the fundamental characteristics of Mamanwa ritual dances in terms of their nature, clothing, accessories and equipment, dance patterns, musical accompaniment, tempo, and the cultural values expressed in each ritual dance. The ethnographic approach was employed in this study to gain a thorough understanding of the ritual dances. It extensively used observations, analytical description, and qualitative judgment or interpretation in order to provide a comprehensive picture of Mamanwa ritual dances in Lanuza, Cortes, and Buenavista. Mamanwa ritual dances are conducted to express gratitude, thanksgiving and beseech favors from Tahaw, their supreme god. They make extensive use of altars and offerings. As a result of their wandering lifestyle, they were unable to retain or maintain even one of their traditional costumes. Tap, leap, close step, parallel tortilier, hop, stamp, slide, kick, mincing, and shuffling are the dance steps utilized. All their ritual dances are accompanied by the gimbar/gimbe-e and gong's percussive sound. All three ritual dances are characterized by dedication, reverence, and humility, which are expressed through the dance steps and arm and body movements. This choreographic history will instil in the youths an appreciation for our race's history, motivate our artists to be more active and engaged, and enlighten our society's cultural inclinations and beliefs.