History:

The Kankanaey live in the upland areas of Benguet

province and belong to the tribal group called
"Igorots" They are one of the larger tribes the region.
They are a hardworking people in the field of
agriculture who are already reached by modern
technologies. The Kankanaey build rice terraces
which have become sufficient sources of food. The
• The marriage customs of the Kankanaey are
similar to the Ibalois. They practice parental
marriage. A wedding is celebrated with big feasts
and many rituals done before and during the
wedding ceremony. Butchering of animals is a
very important part of the wedding. In the past
there have been cases of intermarriages with
lowland people.
• But due to unfavorable experiences, this practice
is already declining. The Kankanaey families
believe that husbands are the heads of the family
 a e y a r e s o m e o f t h e b e s t
T h e Ka n k a n s.
r o w e r s i n t h e P h i l i p p i n e
v eg e t ab l e g d
n n o v a t i v e i n t he f i e l d s a n
T h e y ar e i e
i c e p r o v e n t e c h n o l o g y l i k
t h e y p r ac t
d t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n o f r i c e
irrigation an e s
o s t o f t h e i r i n c o m e c o m
terraces. M o
g t h e f i e l d s . T h e y a r e a l s
fr om t i l l i n
n i n g s i n c e t h e K a n k a n a e y
i nt o m i
y i e l d s l o t s o f m i n e r a l s ,
t e rri t or y
p ar t i c u l a r l y g o l d .
• Hunting is also practiced by the people with the
use of spears and dogs, while fishing is done
with the use of bamboo traps.
• The Kankanaey women are said to be the best
weavers in Benguet province. They produce
sweaters, shirts and blankets.
• They also produce baskets, potteries and
furniture which are marketed in the city of
Baguio and other nearby towns.
 What Are Their
r s o f m i ssi o n a ry p r e s e n c e i n
Beliefs?
Because of the
t he K a n k a
l
n
o
a
n
e
g
y
y
a r
e
e
a
a s , t h e
ar e n o w R o m
p e o p l
a
e
n
h
C
a
a
v
t
e
h
b
o
e
l i
e
c
n
s a n d
C h r i st i a n i z e d . M a n y
e h a v e j o i n e d t h e I g l e s i a n i C r i st o
Protestants. So m
i o u s g r o u p s e st a b l i s h e d w i t h i n t h e
an d o t her r e l i g d
r e a s . A l t h o u g h m a n y h a v e p r o f e s s e
Ka n k a n a e y a a n
s t , m o st o f t h e m s t i l l e n g a g e i n p a g
f ai t h i n C h r i i n g
s h o w n i n m a n y o f t h e i r r i t u a l s d u r
p r ac t i c e s a s g a n d h a r v e s t ,
we d d i n g s , r i t e s o f p a s s a g e , p l a n t i n
me d i c i n e a n d o t h e r s
 Anito
The Kankanaey believe in
spirits called "anito" that
inhabit various natural
elements such as mountains,
rivers, and forests. These
spirits are believed to
influence human affairs and
must be respected through
 Kabunian
Kabunian is the supreme deity in
Kankanaey cosmology. Kabunian is
often associated with creation,
providence, and fertility. Rituals and
ceremonies are performed to honor
Kabunian and seek blessings for
good harvests, health, and protection
from harm.
Divination and Healing
Practices:
Traditional healers, known
as "mumbaki," play a vital
role in Kankanaey society.
They possess knowledge of
rituals, herbal medicine, and
divination techniques to
diagnose and treat illnesses,
as well as to communicate
Rituals and
Ceremonies:
Various rituals and ceremonies
mark important milestones in
Kankanaey life, such as birth,
marriage, and death. These rituals
involve offerings, prayers, and
communal gatherings to seek the
favor of spirits and ensure harmony
with the natural world.
Maraming
Salamat!