Like the Manobo, the Aeta or
Negrito groups of the Philippines are extremely complex in terms of their
dispersal and relationships. Two major branches apparently made their appearance
in the archipelago 30,000 to 20,000 years ago: one traveling up the eastern
flank of the islands to end up on the Pacific side of the Sierra Madre and
comprising the Alta, Arta and Agta groups; the second branch appears to have
moved up the western side, with some groups similarly ending up in northern
Luzon; this branch includes the Pinatubo Negrito, Dumagat, Ata, Ati, Atta,
Sinauna and Batak. The Aeta are physically characterized by shortness of stature
(1.35-1.5 meters), dark skin, kinky hair, and broad noses. No true Aeta languanges
remain; all have adopted the tongues of nearby dominant groups. They are widely
distributed, with the greatest concentrations in northern Luzon and the Visayas,
and generally live in highland areas or places that are difficult of access.
At least 25 groups are known, many sharing the same name (Ita, Aeta, Ata,
Atta, Agta, etc. are thought to come from the general filipino word "Itom,"
meaning "black"). Generally migrants, they often find trade and
employment with more settled groups near their encampments. The social group
is a small band that has fluid membership based on bilateral kinship.
AKA:
see Subgroups
Location:
Languages:
Supergroup:
Subgroups:
Alta, Arta, Agta, Ata, Ati, Atta, Sinauna, Batak
Subsistence:
Bow hunting, gathering, minimal horticulture
Population:
30,000 (1994)