Fire mummies of the Kabayan region of Benguet Province, Luzon, the Philippines

Abstract

This chapter describes the Fire Mummy tradition of the Ibaloy in the Kabayan region of Benguet province, Luzon, the Philippines. The reader is provided with a background regarding the physical context of the Kabayan region as well as the oral history context as related to the Fire Mummy tradition. Social stratification of the ancient society is discussed and placed in the context of the broader Igorot culture. This discussion includes descriptions of classes and the symbols of status including the practice of tattooing. The chapter discusses the alleged beginnings of the Fire Mummy tradition including the Apu Anno legend. Several possible reasons for the decline of the practice are also debated. The chapter explores the cave burial practices of the Ibaloy including a description of coffin preparation and coffin styles. Death rituals are discussed looking at the ancient cultural practices and identifying those that persist into modern times. The chapter presents the Fire Mummification method as handed down through oral histories and applies scientific reasoning as to the efficacy of the techniques employed. The chapter finishes with a discussion of the attitudes of living descendants as they relate to the Fire Mummy tradition.