Batak (Philippines)

The Batak are one of the indigenous people of the Philippines. They are located in the northeastern portions of Palawan. There are only about 1,000 Batak remaining. Also called Tinitianes, the Batak are considered by anthropologists to be closely related to the Ayta of Central Luzon, another Negrito tribe.

Their society is primarily in an early agricultural stage with some people living on subsistence. The Batak also practice kaingin farming which is a slash-and-burn method. Other economic activities include hunting, fishing, and cultivating produce such as rattan for building materials.

The Batak are a somewhat nomadic people, never staying permanently in one place. Their belief system is that of animism, which is belief in nature spirits.

External links

• "Batak" by Christine Abriza
• Some information on the language of the Philippine Bataks, from Ethnologue.com