The Batak

The Batak are a pigmy people living in the mountains of north-central Palawan. They are classified as Negritos, but differ somewhat from the Negritos of Luzon. The features are low, the lips are thick, the nose is broad, and the ridge often concave, but the hair is loose curls, seldom frizzy, and in color they are not black, but resemble the average Christianized Filipino. These people live in groups of two or three families and build only the rudest shelters, which are abandoned at pleasure. Little is attempted in agriculture as they live chiefly on roots and herbs, and animals secured in the chase. Their principal weapon is the blowgun, but they also use a bow and arrow. The dart from the blowgun is poisoned, and so rapid is its action that a wounded animal seldom escapes. Marriage is a verysimple affair. The groom makes a small gift to his parents-in-law to be; then in the presence of their friends the couple sit down with another pair and eat and drink from the same dish, smoke the same cigar, and the ceremony is complete. Polygamy and polyandry are permitted but are not very common. The total number of Batak has been estimated at about 650. Northern Palawan, Philippine Islands.