Ifugao

The Ifugao (Ifugaw, Ipugao, Ypugao, Hilipan, Quiangan) meaning "from the hills" are world-famous for their spectacular rice terraces especially in Mayaoyao and Banaue where entire mountainsides are sculpted like giant steps.

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They hold hundreds of small and big feasts, or canaos. The Ifugaos perform the Bumaya-uyaoy, which is the grandest canao as well as a wedding festival dance. The Kadangyan, or aristocratic class, throw canaos to reaffirm social status in the community. Only the kadangyang wear the heirloom shell belt, or ginuttu, and headdress, or yang ngoh. A more modern version has the sash sewn into the hat band with the beak of the kalaw bird and cock feathers. Use is limited for festive occasions such as weddings, funeral rites, successful headhunts, and other canaos like the birth of a male child, a good harvest, or death of a prominent villager. The movements emulate eagles in flight over the grand rice terraces.