MAGUINDANAO/MAGUINDANAON

Maguindanao is an ethnolinguistic group inhabiting south-central Mindanao, the largest

island in the southern Philippines. Its name can also be spelled Magindanao or Magindanaw.

HISTORY:

The Maguindanaon people are an ethnic group residing in the southern parts of the
Philippines, particularly in Maguindanao province and nearby regions like Cotabato, Sultan
Kudarat, and South Cotabato. They have a rich history dating back to pre-colonial times.

Before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the Maguindanaon community had a
well-organized governance system and a thriving trade network. They were ruled by a sultanate
based in Maguindanao town, situated along the Rio Grande de Mindanao.

The Maguindanaon were known for their exceptional battle skills, making them feared by
neighboring tribes. They were proficient in wielding the kampilan, a long sword, and the kris, a
wavy-bladed dagger. They also had a tradition of epic poetry, which celebrated their rulers'
heroic deeds and their own exploits.

During the Spanish colonial era, the Maguindanaon successfully resisted Spanish rule,
maintaining their independence. However, they eventually came under Spanish control in the late
19th century, along with the rest of the Philippines.

Presently, the Maguindanaon people continue to uphold their unique culture and
traditions. They are mostly Muslim, and their religious practices and lifestyle are deeply
influenced by Islam.

BELIEF:

The Maguindanao people are primarily Muslim, and their beliefs are heavily influenced
by Islam. They believe in one God, Allah, and follow the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith.

One important aspect of Maguindanaon belief is the importance of family and

community. They believe in the concept of "Bayanihan," which is the practice of working
together as a community to achieve a common goal. They also place a high value on respect for
elders and authority figures.

The Maguindanaon also have a rich tradition of animism, which is the belief in the
existence of spirits in the natural world. They believe that everything has a spirit, including
animals, plants, and even inanimate objects like rocks and water. They believe that these spirits
can be benevolent or malevolent, and that they can affect the lives of humans.
 In addition, the Maguindanaon have a tradition of epic poetry, which often includes
stories about heroes and supernatural beings. These stories reflect their beliefs in the power of
nature and the existence of spiritual forces.

Overall, the beliefs of the Maguindanaon are a blend of Islam and animism, reflecting
their unique cultural heritage and history.

Culture:
The Maguindanaon culture is rich and diverse, influenced by their Islamic religion, history, and
geography. The people of Maguindanao are known for their hospitality, strong sense of
community, and traditional values. Family ties are particularly strong, and extended families
often live together in large houses or compounds. Maguindanaon culture is also known for its
vibrant music and dance traditions, including the Kulintang, a set of gongs played in an
ensemble, and the Singkil, a traditional dance.

Customs:
Maguindanaon customs include various ceremonies and rituals that mark important events in
people's lives, such as weddings and funerals. These ceremonies often involve the whole
community, and are characterized by colorful costumes, music, and dance. The Maguindanaon
also have a strong tradition of oral history and storytelling, which plays an important role in
passing on cultural knowledge and values.

Crafts:
Maguindanaon crafts include weaving, woodcarving, and metalworking. The people of
Maguindanao are particularly known for their traditional textiles, including the Inaul, a silk cloth
with intricate designs and patterns. They also produce wooden furniture and carvings, such as the
Okir, a traditional carving style characterized by intricate patterns and designs inspired by nature.
Metalworking is another important craft in Maguindanao, and is used to create decorative objects
such as brassware and jewelry.

Artworks:
Maguindanaon art is characterized by its intricate patterns and designs, often inspired by nature
and Islamic motifs. One notable form of Maguindanaon art is the Sarimanok, a mythical bird that
appears in many Maguindanaon designs and is believed to bring good luck. Other forms of art
include woodcarving, weaving, and pottery, which often incorporate similar motifs and designs.

Language:
Maguindanao is a language spoken by the Maguindanaon people, as well as other Muslim groups
in Mindanao. It is part of the Malayo-Polynesian language family and is written using the Arabic
script. The language has a rich oral tradition, with epic poems and stories passed down through
generations.

Word: “MANISAN’’ which means maganda/beautiful/gwapa

The Maguindanaon people have made significant contributions in various fields, including:
Traditional crafts: The Maguindanaon people are known for their traditional crafts, such as
weaving, woodcarving, and metalworking. Their intricate designs and patterns are highly valued
and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

Music and dance: The Maguindanaon are known for their vibrant music and dance traditions,
such as the Kulintang and Singkil dances. These forms of art have been recognized and
celebrated both within the Philippines and internationally.

Agriculture: The Maguindanaon people are skilled farmers and have made significant
contributions to agricultural practices in the Philippines. They have developed techniques for rice
cultivation and irrigation that have been adopted by other regions in the country.

Education: The Maguindanaon have made efforts to promote education and literacy in their
communities. They have established schools and learning centers that provide education in both
traditional and modern subjects.

Peacebuilding: The Maguindanaon people have played an important role in peacebuilding

efforts in Mindanao, working to resolve conflicts between different communities and promoting
peaceful coexistence.

The Maguindanaon are known for several things, including:

Rich culture and traditions: The Maguindanaon people have a unique and vibrant culture, with
rich traditions in music, dance, art, and literature. Their customs and practices have been passed
down through generations and continue to be celebrated today.

Islamic faith: The Maguindanaon people are predominantly Muslim, and their culture is
strongly influenced by Islamic beliefs and practices. They have a deep respect for their faith and
observe religious traditions and customs.
Peacebuilding efforts: The Maguindanaon people have been actively involved in peacebuilding
efforts in the Mindanao region, working to resolve conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence
among different communities.

Local cuisine: The Maguindanaon are known for their flavorful and spicy cuisine, with dishes
such as piaparan (chicken cooked in coconut milk and turmeric) and palapa (spicy condiment
made with shallots, ginger, and chili) being some of their specialties.

INTERESTING FACT:

In Maguindanao, the traditional wedding bed known as "sigkil sa Igan" plays a significant role in
the wedding culture. A week before the wedding, the groom's side, or "kamaman," delivers the
"igan" to the bride's home. Additionally, the kamaman brings food, or "damak," on ornamented
platters to the bride's house.