Category: Performing Arts

NAME OF THE ELEMENT: SOHTEN

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

TYPE: [/] Dance [ ] Literary Performance

[ ] Instrumental Music [ ] Indigenous form

[ ] Theater / Drama [ ] Other __________________
[ ] Sung verse / Vocal Music

PHOTO:

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND RANGE OF THE ELEMENT:

The Sohten dance is rooted in the Subanon communities of Zamboanga del Norte and is primarily
practiced in municipalities like Margosatubig, Lapuyan, Kumalarang, San Miguel, Lakewood, and
Vincenzo Sagun. This dance has cultural significance across these areas, often performed during
festive events and rituals. The Subanons, an indigenous group of the Zamboanga Peninsula, reside in
upland regions surrounded by forests and hills, where this dance reflects their spiritual beliefs and
connection to nature.

RELATED DOMAINS OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE:

[✔] Social practices, rituals, and festive events

[ ] Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
[ ] Oral traditions and expressions
[ ] Traditional craftsmanship

II. DESCRIPTION OF INTANGIBLE HERITAGE

A. Summary of the element

Sohten is a celebratory male dance performed by the Subanon people of Zamboanga Del
Sur. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and spiritual connection. The dance is typically performed
during major community events, such as harvest celebrations, weddings, and spiritual rituals.
Dancers use dried rattan leaves as instruments, producing rhythmic sounds meant to please
deities, ward off evil spirits, and invite good fortune. The dance's movements reflect bravery and
stoic character, embodying the Subanon men’s role as protectors and providers.
In Margosatubig, Sohten is often performed alongside other Subanon traditions, such as
storytelling and music, creating a holistic celebration of their culture. Efforts by local schools and
cultural organizations have helped revitalize the practice by introducing the dance to younger
generations.

B. Culture-bearer/s and practitioner/s of the element

In Margosatubig, elders and cultural leaders act as the primary custodians of Sohten. They
lead performances and teach the dance to the youth during festivals or informal community
gatherings. The Subanen elder from Margosatubig, who has practiced the Sohten dance for many
years, describes the dance as an essential part of their cultural identity, embodying strength,
resilience, and a deep spiritual connection to the land. Learned from parents and community elders,
the dance’s movements reflect the bravery and protection of their warrior ancestors. It is performed
during significant events in Margosatubig, such as harvest festivals, weddings, and spiritual rituals,
acting as both a celebration and a way to communicate with the spirits.

C. Mode of transmission

The knowledge of Sohten is transmitted through informal means, primarily within families
and communities. While modern influences have posed challenges in engaging younger generations,
the elder continues to teach the dance, ensuring its preservation through local festivals, workshops,
and informal community gatherings. The dance, with its rhythmic movements and the use of
symbolic props like rattan leaves, strengthens the bond between the Subanon people of
Margosatubig and their cultural heritage, as well as their spiritual connection to the natural world.
D. LIST OF SIGNIFICANT TANGIBLE MOVABLE HERITAGE USED/ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELEMENT:

Name of Photo Year produced Use of the object in the practice

Object
or estimated
age

Salirigan Traditional; Used to create rhythmic sounds believed to

Leaves renewed please deities and drive away bad spirits.
annuall These sounds are integral to the
performance.

Dlasag Traditionally Carried by male dancers to emphasize

crafted; varies strength and stoicism. The shields are
symbols of protection and bravery

Balasi varies; Used as accessories or decorative elements,

collected from producing subtle jingling sounds to enhance
nature the performance. Symbolizes connection to
nature.

III. STORIES/NARRATIVES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELEMENT

Local Subanon oral traditions in Margosatubig tell of how the Sohten dance originated as a
ritual to drive away diseases and bad luck. These stories are passed down through generations,
reinforcing the spiritual and cultural importance of the dance. In Margosatubig, the Sohten dance is
deeply intertwined with the community’s oral traditions, and its origins are rooted in stories passed
down through generations. The elder explains that the dance was created to honor ancestors,
protect the community, and seek blessings from the spirits of the land. It was first performed during
times of conflict and harvest, symbolizing the bravery and strength of warriors who defended
Margosatubig. The movements and rhythms of the dance carry spiritual significance, with each step
representing a connection to the community's history and beliefs. The rattan leaves used in the
dance are considered sacred, believed to carry prayers to the spirits, ensuring protection and
abundance. Through these stories and rituals, the Sohten dance serves as a spiritual offering and a
means of honoring the Subanon ancestors in Margosatubig, preserving the community's deep
respect for nature and the spiritual forces that guide their lives.

IV. SIGNIFICANCE

Historical - The Sohten dance in Margosatubig reflects the Subanons’ historical connection to their
ancestral lands and rituals. It serves as a marker of their identity and resilience in preserving their
heritage.

Aesthetic - The rhythmic sound of dried rattan leaves, combined with powerful movements, creates
an engaging and visually striking performance.

Socioeconomic - The dance is often showcased in cultural festivals in Margosatubig, attracting

tourists and promoting local economic activities.

Spiritual - As part of rituals in Margosatubig, the Sohten dance is believed to strengthen the
connection between the Subanons and their deities, bringing blessings to the community.

V. ASSESSMENT OF THE PRACTICE

A. CONDITION/STATUS OF THE PRACTICE

In Margosatubig, Sohten remains a vital cultural practice but faces challenges due to modernization
and urban influences.

B. CONSTRAINTS/ THREATS/ ISSUES/ CHALLENGES

The Sohten dance faces several challenges that threaten its preservation and continuity. As modern
entertainment becomes more accessible and appealing, traditional practices like Sohten risk being
overshadowed and forgotten, especially among younger generations who are increasingly drawn to
contemporary lifestyles. This shift in interest leads to a gradual decline in the practice of the dance,
as fewer individuals are motivated to learn and perform it. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive
documentation further exacerbates the issue, as it limits opportunities for broader recognition,
academic study, and integration into formal cultural preservation programs. Without concerted
efforts to address these constraints, Sohten may face further decline in the future.

C. MEASURES AND DESCRIPTION OF SAFEGUARDING MEASURES TAKEN: Tick one or more boxes
to identify the safeguarding measures that have been and are currently being taken at the level of
the community, provincial, and/or national concerning the element
[ ] transmission, particularly through formal education
[/ ] transmission, particularly through non-formal education
[ ] identification, documentation, research
[ ] preservation, protection
[/ ] promotion, enhancement
[/ ] revitalization

Description of Safeguarding Measures Taken:

In Margosatubig, efforts to safeguard the Sohten dance are being actively pursued by both the
community and local organizations. Cultural leaders and elders play a pivotal role in transmitting the
dance through informal means, such as community performances, and local festivals, where the
younger generations are encouraged to participate and learn. Schools in the area have also
integrated the Sohten dance into their curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of the tradition
among students. These measures preserve the dance and ensure that it remains an integral part of
community life in Margosatubig, connecting past traditions with future generations. Moreover,
elders have emphasized the importance of oral storytelling alongside the dance, ensuring the
spiritual and historical narratives associated with sohten are preserved. Despite challenges like
modernization, these safeguarding efforts are helping to maintain the cultural significance of Sohten
in Margosatubig, encouraging youth participation and fostering respect for their heritage.

VI. REFERENCES

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: (Tick appropriate box/es)

[ ] Audio/video recording
[ / ] Photographs and sketches
[ / ] Others (e.g. Music notations etc.) related sources, interviews

1. Obusan, R. A. (2021). Sothen. RAMON OBUSAN FOLKLORIC GROUP. https://rofg1972.com/sothen

2. Yodisphere. (2022). Subanon (Subanen) Tribe of Zamboanga Peninsula: History, Culture and Arts,
Customs and Traditions [Mindanao Indigenous People | Philippines Ethnic Group].
YODISPHERE. https://www.yodisphere.com/2022/09/Subanon-Subanen-Tribe-Culture-
Traditions.html#google_vignette\