Traditional Dance of Ifugao | Discover the Purpose and Meaning . . .

The Ifugao dance is a traditional dance performed by the Ifugao people, an ethnic group in the Philippines. The Ifugao live in the mountainous region of northern Luzon, where they are known for their rice terraces and rich culture.
There are different types of Ifugao dances, each with its purpose and meaning. Some of the most common ones are:
Pagaddut: A dance of thanksgiving and celebration, usually performed during harvest festivals or weddings. It involves graceful movements and rhythmic clapping of hands.
Bangibang: A war dance that traces back to the periods of tribal conflicts. It is performed on the stone walls of the rice terraces by men wielding spears, axes, and wooden shields. They wear headdresses made of leaves and chant war cries.
Bumaya-uyaoy: A grand wedding festival dance that is also a form of canao, a ritual feast. It is performed by the kadangyan, or the aristocratic class, who wear heirloom shell belts and headdresses. They dance in a circular formation, accompanied by gongs and drums.
Ifugao dances are a way of expressing the Ifugao’s identity, history, and spirituality. They are also a form of entertainment and socialization for the community. Ifugao dances are part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Philippines.