by Alyssa Caldito
The carved head of this walking stick has a cylindrical headdress and beads for eyes (likely seeds). The walking stick was collected by Mrs. Carrie and Mr. Harry Smith, who lived in Baguio for five years after Mr. Smith’s service in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American and Philippine-American wars. According to Mrs. Smith, the walking stick:
… is used for when the loads are light, otherwise the staff of a spear is used, particularly the one with the formidable array of barbs which is supposed to insure the safety of the user. The Igorot has no roads for wheels. Neither the caraboa [sic], cattle nor horses could go among his rice paddies or irrigated sementeras. Therefore, the men carry all the heavy loads on their shoulders but the women carry their loads on their backs.”
— C.B. Smith Writings
Smith also claimed that the top of the cane depicts an Anito, a spirit that Igorots believe occupies everything in one’s surroundings, both animate and inanimate. In order to avoid offending the anitos living in them, Igorots are careful to treat their entire surroundings with respect. Even today, it is common practice to give offerings to anitos on farms and to ask permission from anitos on uninhabited land before starting to farm or harvest there, often through the intercession of a shaman. Due to Spanish colonization, Igorot religion has evolved to incorporate elements of Catholicism, including some saints, Jesus Christ, and St. Mary.
Citation:
- Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife. (n.d.). In J. Lee & K. Nadeau (Eds.), Igorot Ancestor, Ghost, and Spirit (Vol. 2).