Gaddang

Gaddang map
  • AKA: Ga-Dang
  • Languages: Gaddang has five subgroups: 1) Gaddang proper, 2) Yogad, 3) Maddukayang, 4) Katalangan and 5) Iraya.
  • Subgroups: Mountain (Ga-Dang; Indigenous religion), Lowland (Christian), Angadanan (IR & C).
  • Subsistence: Swidden rice and camotes; in lowlands, intensive rice cult. Tobacco, corn as cash crops.
  • Population: 20,850 (1980)

Gaddang comes from the word ga meaning "heat" and dang meaning "burned"; this likely alludes to the fact that the Gaddang are generally darker of skin than other Cordillera peoples. Many Gaddang live in the highlands of southeastern Kalinga-Apayao and eastern Bontok and Isabela provinces. Other groups have abide in the middle Cagayan Valley on the eastern side of the Cordillera, where tributaries of the river merge. The Christianized, lowland Gaddang are now almost indistinguishable from the Ilokano and Ibanag peoples of the valley, but the highlanders still maintain a unique culture, including what is perhaps the most opulent attire on the island of Luzon, involving plentiful beads and precious stones. Settlements are located near streams and fields. Leadership is achieved based on bravery, skills, knowledge of customary law, and wealth, and usually in association with the status of mingal or great warrior. Peace pacts (pudon) are practiced as are kolak trading partnerships. Religion is based on a dichotomy betwen earth world and afterworld, although the former is the major concern. Rituals are led by both male and female. The male prestige feast occurs once in a lifetime; wealth must be accumulated beforehand to finance the seven elaborate rituals.