SYMBOLISM AND SPIRITUAL FUNCTIONS IN THE VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF DAVAO DEL NORTE

The kinowago resembles a twin-bird figure.

The province of Davao del Norte is the home of several IPs (indigenous peoples). These groups have thrived for generations and have built a remarkable form of vernacular architecture in this part of the country. These structures are influenced by the demands of the environment, the people's culture, and as well as the level of technology that they practice.

What is notable, though, is that certain details and features of these traditional structures convey interesting symbols and assume spiritual functions that have become integral expressions of the people’s identity and beliefs. In most of these indigenous houses one can find distinct figures and objects that are important components of the cultural traditions and beliefs of the IPs.

The togan is the traditional chieftain’s house of the Dibabawon, a tribe found in the mountainous interlands of Davao del Norte. Aside from being the residence of the datu, the togan is actually a multi-purpose hall that is used as a venue for community gatherings such as weddings, a court for settling disputes, and as a meeting place of tribal elders.

Inside the togan are fascinating woodcarved totem figures. The most significant of these is the venerated binutitok. Crafted in the image of the sacred green parrot, this unique piece only found in the togan, reflects the high rank of its owner. Also inside the togan are other carved figure such as the kinabug, talipuso, and the pag-abi sa bisita, which are considered as the tribe’s emblematic designs.
Lesser Dibabawon dwellings contain other carved objects, such as the kinowago (a twin bird figure) and the sinulaway (a fish-like figure) which indicate the social status of the houses’ owners.

Prominently displayed on top of Dibabawon dwellings, as well as those of the Ata-Manobo, another tribe in Davao del Norte, are symbolic diamond-shaped figures called tabanog, which are formed using reeds and tree branches. On the roof of the tog’gan, the traditional house of the Mangguangan, a kin of the Dibabawon found in the highlands of New Corella, Davao del Norte, is a set of finials called kawit or sungag, which is made of bamboo and attached at the roof’s gable ends. The tabanog and kawit are believed to be protectors of dwellings’ residents from evil spirits.

These traditional details and features are reflections of the IP’s values and beliefs. Aside from symbolizing power and social position, such architectural elements signify connections to the spiritual world that have afforded the people their protection and continued existence. The vernacular architecture of these Davao del Norte tribes, indeed, proves that aside from the functionality of their dwellings, symbolic and social functions exist in these humble abodes.