In 1990 Kalinga culture was still largely oral. It seemed as if there wasn't a mountain or bend in a river that didn't have a story explaining its shape or how it got its name. People chanted accounts of journeys as they hiked. In the villages, when the sun set and the work was done, the Kalinga drank, chatted, sang and listened to elders tell stories about the village forefathers, customs, wars and the making of the Kalinga landscape. In a land without TV, books and, very often, a light to read by, what else would you do?
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Ullalim
Ullalim are traditionally epic stories that are chanted or sung to a structure of 7 syllables per line. They tend to be about myths or histories of place. The Ullalim of Sapao gives an account of the American colonial governor Walter Hale’s time in Kalinga. Sapao was his Kalinga nick-name.
Ullalim of Sapao - Audio
Ullalim of Sapao - Transcript
Saosao-ay
Are songs, made up on the spot, giving an account of the situation at the time, e.g. 'here we all are, getting exhausted climbing over this mountain. We're all very much looking forward to lunch and arriving in Dacalan. Maybe when we get there Laila will find a husband, because she's 28 and not even married. And Ben it's better that you find a wife in our village of Bugnay. After all you've got so much money' etc.
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Palpaliwat |
Palpaliwats are a form of verse, in which performers boast of their bravery and head-hunting prowess. See the page on Palpaliwats.
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