In Dec. 2, 08, we arrived at the town of Bontoc, in the Philippines Mountainous Territory. Despite being one of the largest settlements in the area, there is nothing for visitors except the quaint museum.
Bontoc museum is regarded by many as a must-see repository of Ifugou culture and heritage, and the place for some serious stuff about the mountain people and its history.In my view, it is the best of its league and the only reputable establishment highlighting the communities in all of Cordilleras. (Admission – 50 pesos)
The museum is located next to the post office and it has an unique traditional roof. It was established by Belgian missionary in the early 20th. century. There are galleries to showcase intricate traditional costumes, hunting and farming tools but we had a shock of our life when we encountered very graphic black and white photos of a headless victim.
The museum’s main draw has to be the Ifugou village replicas just outside the museum. Step inside these well preserved stone structures and you find rewarding experience to see Ilis - the tribal homes up close and without the need to conquer the hills to see o
ne.
Like many traditional communities, tribal house is more than a home. Each home has a stone pit for pigs and household animals, and storage for farm produce.
The curator has done a splendid work in this department and the replicas also come with a meeting ground - a must in many Ifugou villages.
Sadly, Ilis are rare sights now in the mountains. With modern ways making inroads into the highlands, many Ifugou villagers have replaced almost everything old with new and the traditional wooden houses now come with zinc top and modern amenities.
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