Historically, whenever two cultures clashed, victory tended to favor the more technologically advanced society. World history is replete with examples, particularly during the European period of colonialism. From various African kingdoms to the indigenous peoples of Australia, superior technology carried the day.
In the Americas, the Spanish subjugated three major civilizations in the Maya, Inca, and Aztecs. Although more numerous and defended by capable warrior castes, the native peoples of Central and South America were laid low by modern weaponry and zero resistance to Old World pathogens.
Ferdinand Magellan landed in the Philippines in 1521 and claimed the entire archipelago as a colony for Spain, beginning a 350-year occupation of the islands. Spanish forces were able to subjugate large swaths of the southern archipelago. In time, the Conquistadors looked to the northern island of Luzon and the storied gold mines hidden high in its mountains. Expecting the same success in bringing the northern tribes under control, they'd not reckoned on meeting the Igorots.
The Igorots (ē-gə-ˈrōts) are the collective tribal cultures in Luzon's mountainous north. In fact, "igorot" comes from the Tagalog word for "mountaineer". It's this highland area that most of my family hails from.
Armed only with wooden shields, steel axes, and bamboo lances, the Igorots successfully thwarted full Spanish incursions into their territories. Their superb knowledge of the mountain terrain made them a formidable adversary. They were also very intimidating. The large axes they carried into battle were meant for taking heads. Yes, the Igorots of northern Luzon were headhunters. This unnerved the Spanish enough for them to restrict most activity to their garrison towns.
Headhunting aside, the highlanders harried Spanish forces by fighting constant guerilla actions. To prevent the introduction of smallpox and other Old World diseases into their communities, they fiercely controlled access to their mountain passes. They were also cagey enough to restrict information like the locations of their primary settlements and their ore producing mines. For the entirety of the occupation, the northern tribes successfully fended off what was, at that time, the most powerful nation on earth. They ensured that the Igorot languages and culture remained intact.
October happens to be Filipino American History Month. There's a lot of my family's history intertwined with American history. I believe my great grandfather was a scout with General Arthur MacArthur, father to General Douglas MacArthur. One of my grandfathers was in the Battle of Baguio City during WWII. I've seen his name carved into a memorial commemorating the action. There's also Dad's service in the US Navy during the Vietnam era.
"Filipino American History Month" is a good reminder for me to start collecting the stories from my own family before they're lost to time. If not for a memoir, the stories might make an interesting post.
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