Polygyny Among Indigenous People in the Philippines

Wikipedia states that polygyny was the norm for tribal Filipinos way back then. Actually, it still exist today among tribal folks who remained true to their old beliefs (not Christians). I was in contact often with Talaandig, Manobo, and Higaonon communities in Bukidnon in the 90's. Although a lot of them were Christianized, a few remain as traditional animist. It is among them that I observed polygyny.

Surprisingly, relations between polygamous (non-Christian) and monogamous (Christian) members of the tribes were amiable. Religion didn't matter among them. It was a different story with Christians who were not of tribal origin, dumagats or "from the sea" we were called.

Of course, it nothing new to me how Christians treat tribal folks, mush more those who remain animists. But I was more interested more in their way of life. Not that I was considering polygyny back then because I was still unmarried. It was in the way they add a second or more wife.

For the Talaandig-Manobo-Higaonon who practiced polygyny, adding a second or more wives means additional help for the existing wife/wives to tend the field, do housework, and take care of the children. Not that the men are lazy, they usually do the hunting, trading, farm work that requires their strength, and defending their families and villages from raids.

The wife/wives have a lot of say about the family. In fact, it was them who did the courtship. Yep, imagine the man simply pointing out a fine young lady with strong arms and good sturdy legs and the wives marches off to her house. This gives an opportunity for the ladies to get acquainted and know each other before any commitment is made.

Their polygyny was more about cooperation and working together for the family. A far cry from the jealousy and conflict emphasized by monogamists. I have often wondered why, in a union blessed by and under the guidance of God, would people expect the worst to happen instead of letting love, compassion, and understanding prevail?