ISNEG TRIBE
ISNEG TRIBE
WAYS OF LIVING
The Isneg’s main staple is rice, which they have traditionally produced in abundance.
This is raised through slash-and-burn agriculture. There has always been a surplus
every year, except in rare instances of drought or pest infestation. The Isneg’s main
source of sustenance is dry rice culture, which is suitable for the semi-mountainous
and tropical, vegetal terrain of Apayao. This is what they have in common with the
Kalinga, the Gaddang, and the Bugkalot (Ilongot).
rituals
There are several rituals performed in connection with the harvest of rice. These
usually begin with the killing of a pig as an object of sacrifice, accompanied by
communication with the spirits, performed in the form of prayers by the dorarakit or
the maganito (shaman). In the pisi, the ritual offering of food to the spirits, rice
pudding is offered to Pilay, the spirit of the rice, who resides on the paga, a shelf
above the Isneg hearth.
spiritual beliefs
The Isneg people embrace a spiritual worldview that includes a profound
reverence for animals, considering them as messengers from the divine, symbols of
guidance, and sources of healing and spiritual connection. This deep connection to
animals is deeply ingrained in their culture and shapes their daily lives.
clothing
On festive occasions, men and women wear their distinctive costumes.
The men wear their abag loincloth with decorative beads and tassels,
a long-sleeved jacket—usually green, the festive color of choice, or
sometimes dark blue or red—and an embroidered headpiece. The
women wear long-sleeved dark blue, sometimes red or orange, jackets;
striped or plain navy blue aken skirt; and embroidered headpiece.
Into these turbans they may tuck pompoms or flowers for accent.