A Legacy of the Headhunters

Banaue, Philippines

Mist shrouded the Ifugao rice terraces, a breathtaking testament to the ingenuity of the Ifugao people, the first to carve these wonders into the mountainsides. Immersed in an Ifugao village, I slept in their traditional bale, experiencing their slow-paced life, learning about their intricate weaving, and sharing meals. Elders recounted tales of their ancestors, including the now-abandoned practice of headhunting, a chilling reminder of their complex history. My camera documented not just their present, but the echoes of their past, capturing the enduring spirit of the Ifugao people and their profound connection to this extraordinary landscape they shaped.