High-resolution pics at Cornell's website

Nonoy Tan · 12th July 2009, 03:03 AM

Hi Migueldiaz,

The story about Tingguians mixing the brain with wine may or may not be true. AFAIK, the possibility is not remote. However, I am yet to find witness accounts that could collaborate the story of Paul de la Gironiere. That I expect will not be easy to find, because the practice of ritual cannibalism have been held in secret from foreign visitors, who would therefore rely on hearse for their stories (e.g. Paul de la Gironiere). On the other hand, I have no doubt that ritual cannibalism existed in the Philippines.

The distributing of skull parts to members of the village is probably true, because there are collaborative stories. Other body parts were also taken (e.g. fingers).

The photos of the Ilongots are indeed Ilongots.

I recall reading an explanation that the "relieving of burden" as a consequence of beheading a person is experienced by the headhunter, not the victim. The headhunter went to headhunt in order to "relieve life's burdens." Nowadays, we just go to the gym for physical workout :-)

12th July 2009, 03:03 AM	#12
Nonoy Tan Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 293	Hi Migueldiaz, The story about Tingguians mixing the brain with wine may or may not be true. AFAIK, the possibility is not remote. However, I am yet to find witness accounts that could collaborate the story of Paul de la Gironiere. That I expect will not be easy to find, because the practice of ritual cannibalism have been held in secret from foreign visitors, who would therefore rely on hearse for their stories (e.g. Paul de la Gironiere). On the other hand, I have no doubt that ritual cannibalism existed in the Philippines. The distributing of skull parts to members of the village is probably true, because there are collaborative stories. Other body parts were also taken (e.g. fingers). The photos of the Ilongots are indeed Ilongots. I recall reading an explanation that the "relieving of burden" as a consequence of beheading a person is experienced by the headhunter, not the victim. The headhunter went to headhunt in order to "relieve life's burdens." Nowadays, we just go to the gym for physical workout :-)