Higaonon Oral Literature: A Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Ethnic oral literature preservation contributes to the development of a national culture. This study aimed to document the indigenous oral literary genres of an ethno linguistic group in Agusandel Sur, the Higaonons; and analyze these in terms of richness in human values, symbols, imagery, point of view, and characterization. The study sought to determine further the indigenous knowledge in the transmission and preservation of these oral literary pieces as cultural heritage. The researcher used purposeful sampling and in-depth interviews, categorizing oral literature in terms of prose and analyzing them using the formalistic approach. Results revealed that the Higaonons have rich oral literature categorized by prose as short stories, essays, and legends narrated by the key informants in the omniscient point of view. The common human values reflected in their literature include patience, courage, godliness, and industry. The wearing of beads and Higaonon costume symbolizes pride and identity of the tribe. The literature includes vivid images that appeal to the senses of the readers. They are transmitted and preserved through storytelling only by the datus of high rank of whom knowledge of all tribal lore is a requisite may reveal the story; and in their yearly Kaamulan Festival.