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Bara

The document describes three healing rituals practiced by the Agta people: Bara, Santiguar, and Pagdampi or Pagbawi, each aimed at diagnosing and curing illnesses believed to be caused by supernatural forces. Bara involves healers using a winnowing basket and scissors to interpret spirit-guided movements, while Santiguar uses melted wax to identify malevolent spirits affecting the afflicted. Pagdampi focuses on retrieving spirits from individuals possessed by various entities, highlighting the Agta's holistic approach to health that intertwines physical, spiritual, and communal elements.

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117 views1 page

Bara

The document describes three healing rituals practiced by the Agta people: Bara, Santiguar, and Pagdampi or Pagbawi, each aimed at diagnosing and curing illnesses believed to be caused by supernatural forces. Bara involves healers using a winnowing basket and scissors to interpret spirit-guided movements, while Santiguar uses melted wax to identify malevolent spirits affecting the afflicted. Pagdampi focuses on retrieving spirits from individuals possessed by various entities, highlighting the Agta's holistic approach to health that intertwines physical, spiritual, and communal elements.

Uploaded by

monica.merilos
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Bara:

The Bara ritual is a diagnostic and healing practice performed by the Agta to identify and cure illnesses believed to be
caused by the wrath of spirits or other supernatural forces. This ritual involves two Agta healers utilizing a nigo (winnowing
basket) and scissors. The healers insert the blades of the scissors through the woven strands of the nigo and place the
outside ring of the scissors on their middle fingers, maintaining minimal contact. They then pose yes-or-no questions,
interpreting the movement of the nigo—a clockwise motion indicates a "yes" response, while no movement signifies "no." It
is believed that the spirits guide these movements to provide answers. The ability to perform Bara is considered a calling;
those not chosen by the spirits who attempt the ritual risk falling ill themselves

Santiguar

Santiguar In the Bicol region, particularly in Albay, Sorsogon, and Camarines Sur, the Agta practice Santiguar, a healing
ritual aimed at curing illnesses attributed to malevolent spirits or elementals. The ritual is conducted by a parasantigwar
(healer) and begins with pamibi (prayer). A plate is passed around the body of the afflicted individual, after which a candle
is burned directly on the plate. The resulting formations in the melted wax are interpreted to reveal the identity of the spirit
or cause of the illness. The term "Santiguar" is derived from the Spanish word "santiguar," meaning "to make the sign of
the cross," reflecting the syncretic blend of indigenous beliefs and Spanish Catholic influence in this practice.

Pagdampi or Pagbawi

The ritual performed to retrieve the spirits of individuals believed to be possessed by entities such as nature spirits,
dwarfs, ancestral souls, or other supernatural beings causing illness. The ritual involves offering items like biscuits, candies,
and chicken to appease the unseen entities. The albularyo (healer) recites orasyon (spells or prayers) during the ceremony,
during which it is believed that the spirits may momentarily possess the healer, facilitating communication and negotiation
for the release of the afflicted person's spirit. These rituals underscore the Agta's holistic approach to health, intertwining
physical, spiritual, and communal elements. They reflect a profound understanding of the interconnectedness between
humans and the spiritual realm, emphasizing the importance of harmony and balance within their cultural framework.

References: Bennagen, P. L. (1985). The Agta of Northeastern Luzon: Recent Studies. Manila: Integrated Research Center,
De La Salle University. Padilla, S. (2013).

Ancestral Domain Recognition and the Agta-Dumagat-Remontado of the Philippines. Quezon City: University of the
Philippines Press. The Aswang Project. (2021).

The Many Names of Philippine Shamans & Healers. Retrieved from https://www.aswangproject.com/philippine-
shamans/ Yodisphere. (2022).

The Agta Tribe (Dumagat Remontados) of the Philippines—History, Culture, and Traditions. Retrieved from
https://www.yodisphere.com/2022/05/Agta-Dumagat-Tribe.html

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