article

Reflections on Bajau History

Philippine studies16 (1) • Published In 1968 • Pages: 32-59

By: Nimmo, Harry.

Abstract
This essay provides insights on Sama-Bajau origin myths and traditions, and their recent transition from fulltime boat-dwellers to land-dwellers. While underscoring the popularity of a legend that they came from a distant place to the west, the author combines linguistic and historical data to argue that Sama-Bajau origin stories and identity be contextualized in their historical interactions with neighboring ethnic groups, including other boat-dwelling peoples of the region. The switch to a settled, terrestrial lifestyle is attributed to the establishment of fish-purchasing enterprises (mostly owned by Chinese) and of mosques and churches that led to a rapid development of associated village communities and towns.
Subjects
Historical reconstruction
Mythology
Traditional history
Identification
Cultural identity and pride
History
Inter-ethnic relations
Inter-community relations
Settlement patterns
Boats
Dwellings
Acculturation and culture contact
Population
Buying and selling
Religious and educational structures
Functional and adaptational interpretations
culture
Sama-Bajau
Region
Asia
Sub Region
Southeast Asia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Anthropologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem ; 2020
Field Date
1963, 1965-1967
Coverage Date
800-1967
Coverage Place
Tawi-Tawi province, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippines
Notes
H. Arlo Nimmo
Includes bibliographical references (p. 58-59)
LCCN
56037474
LCSH
Bajau (Southeast Asian people)