In book The Bontoc Igorot, Albert Ernest Jenks explains that Bontoc men have had wars with other tribesmen in the ato. The wars are considered to be a game towards other tribesmen due to the “debt of life”. The score is never ended or canceled, since one or the other group is always in debt. When the heads are brought back to the tribe, the head itself is a trophy of success in defeating the enemy. The head also is the best proof to a man’s tribesmen that the foe is truly dead. When a head is brought back, this is the only time that the Bontoc people may be tattooed. There is no other time in the Bontoc that a person can be tattooed, only after a head is brought back from an expedition. The chak-lag is the most important tattoo because it marks its wearer as a taker of at least one human head. The people of Bontoc also believe that their god, Lumawig, taught them to go to war. A legend explains that a long time ago when Lumawig asked them to accompany him on a war expedition to Lagod, the north part of the country, they first refused, but then decided to follow him. After the journey ended and on the way back home, the people of the north killed one of their men, Gu-ma-nub. This was the start of the wars, marking the revenge of Gu-ma-nub’s death. In other areas of Luzon, head-hunting also is performed for the “debt of life”, however, in addition, no man shall marry unless he has taken his first head. Head-hunting also is done after the harvest, is an increase in wealth, and to secure general health and activity of the people. For the people of Bontoc, head-hunting is seen to be more of a challenge and a sport. It follows more of a tradition that was passed from generation to generation for the revenge of their friend Gu-ma-nub. It does not increase one’s wealth, is not performed after harvest for fruitage and is not required for marriage. Even though the Bontoc people do not consider head-hunting anything other than a sport, it may be looked at as an initiation to adulthood. It is not required for a man to have at least one head before he gets married, however, it may be seen that he is not brave enough for a woman if he does not at least have one head in his collection. The Bontoc women may take favor upon that of those who take part in head-hunting. Nine out of ten men participate in head-hunting. If a man does not participate, others may view him as a coward because he is not defending those in his tribe or himself. Head-hunting, even though a game, shows bravery, courage, strength, and manhood. It is well observed among the men in the tribe. When one does not perform in this activity, it may be viewed that he is not worthy enough to understand the hardships, challenges, and pride of that within the tribes. Without at least one head in his collection, he is not a true member because he does not have trophies to show. Not only does he not have trophies, but also he will not have tattoos that others will have. Whenever one takes a head he is giving a tattoo to at shows he has took a head of another. Without the tattoo, that man has nothing to show for. Head-hunting may only be a sport in the Bontoc Igorot, however, it can also be seen as an initiation to becoming a man. It is not performed as a ritual for marriage, fruits of harvest, or any other reason but sport, however, without a head in one’s collection a man is not considered a man until he has one. Women also look admire more of the men who do head-hunt over those that do not. Without the a head in the collection, then the man is not strong and probably will not be viewed as one of their own within the tribe |