Mountain Province Philippines Igorote Bontoc Real Photo Postcard
The Bontoc Igorot are an indigenous ethnic group native to the mountainous Cordillera Central region of northern Luzon, Philippines. Their traditional territories center around the municipality of Bontoc in Mountain Province. These communities developed distinct agricultural practices, notably extensive rice terracing, and maintained unique social and political structures, largely resisting Spanish colonial influence due to their remote and rugged homeland.
Images such as this, often produced in the early 20th century, emerged during the American colonial period in the Philippines (1898-1946). These photographs frequently documented indigenous groups like the Bontoc for ethnographic study, public exhibitions (such as World's Fairs), and the burgeoning postcard market, showcasing traditional attire and material culture like the woven baskets. This period marked a significant era of external engagement and observation of these communities.
Images such as this, often produced in the early 20th century, emerged during the American colonial period in the Philippines (1898-1946). These photographs frequently documented indigenous groups like the Bontoc for ethnographic study, public exhibitions (such as World's Fairs), and the burgeoning postcard market, showcasing traditional attire and material culture like the woven baskets. This period marked a significant era of external engagement and observation of these communities.
