Anthropological Archives Database

Year 1979-1981

Japan. Research Possibilities

Engaging in research in Japan Moerman observed discussions of the Japanese people. Difficulties in conducting research in Japan include: the rich culture and perspectives that need to be studied; language barriers; high cost of living; high competition in seeking research funding, education. The relationship between Okinawa, Southeast Asia and China. The ecosystem of the islands of Okinawa; disease treatment; language and dialects; ethnic groups, martial arts, food, funeral, construction of houses.

by : Michael Moerman

Year 1979-1981

Philippines, Manila

The Philippines Observations about the Philippine economy; agriculture; employment; support and investment. The nickname for the Filipinos, and Spanish influence. Many Muslims in the Philippines wanted independence, and to return to the regime of the Sultan. Chinese people do not trade in crops since the state established a trade association for agriculture. Instead, the Chinese had business and were employed in the field of computer technology. The Filipinos spent money the most to buy television. Using the gesture of the Filipinos. Homosexuality was still very unacceptable. Filipinos saw both modern and traditional doctors called pamomolong, but elderly people would be treated with rituals before going to the modern doctors.

by : Michael Moerman

Year 1979-1981

Zamboanga, Philippine

Philippines (Zamboanga) The Marcos run family-owned businesses, including hotels, shopping malls and several buildings. Several interesting issues and problems were mentioned about the possibility of doing research at the Zamboaga. People of different nationalities and religions were living together, Philippines who were Christian and Muslim. The primary language is Chabaxano, a mixture of Spanish words and Filipino grammar. But 45% of the population spoke Tau-sug, the language used in commerce and politics. The main occupation was fish trade, and most of fishermen in this town were Muslim. The lives of Muslims seemed to be inferior to Christians, and they lived separately in different communities.

by : Michael Moerman

Year 1979-1981

Kota Batu, Phillippine

Philippines (Kota Batu) Kota Batu is a city that is predominantly Christian. Churches there had stronger relationships with the highlanders, the Tirurai and Manobo were strongly affiliated to Church. Monabo wanted the Christians to protect them from the Muslims because they were afraid that Muslims would snatch land from them. Cebuano is the language used in the area. Christians and Muslims were associated with stress. Muslim womens rights and freedom were limited. Doing research in the Muslim community was difficult. Tirurai mostly lived in Ipu, and they were Christian. The information also covers language, education, treatment and housing of Tirurai.

by : Michael Moerman

Year 1979-1981

Marawi City, Philippine

The Philippines (Marawi City) The Americans had occupied the city. There was religious and political conflict between Christians and Muslims. Maguindanao was well known.

by : Michael Moerman

Year 1979-1981

Bon Toc, Philippine

Bontoc, Philippines Moerman traveled to Bagio where there was a step rice field which had high productivity. The dam construction caused conflict among the villagers, because it could result in flooding over the city and the residential area of the villagers. But the government of Marcos wanted to support industrial and development projects, and as a consequence, the state condemned the blockade of the dam as communist. The government dealt with highlanders by expelling them from the area. Moerman also noted the religion of the village and attitudes of outsiders. Ato is an association of people involved in conflict. In Bontoc there were 17 ato, from which a member of each village was nominated as representative. The Philippines called the hill tribes Igorot but the people called themselves Tribally. At the present time, the Igorot who had been studied called themselves Bontoc.

by : Michael Moerman

Year 1979-1981

Iwo Jima, Japan

Ivo Jima, Japan Fukui studied the alteration of the farmers on the island of Honshu. The dialect is different from other areas. Moerman met with Roshi and the abbot of the temple, and he was impressed the discussion with the Japanese, due to mutual respect.

by : Michael Moerman

Year 1979-1981

Bali

Bali Spiritual worship (Paper) Objects and animals were offerings, and the person who conducted worship was a Brahmin. Moerman went to fifth celebration ceremony of a temple and watched a traditional dance called dambuh dance. Later he had opportunity to attend a funeral and a celebration of the temple Banjar. There was a performance named wayang wong derived from Ramayana, which was unlike the Javanese play. There were many rituals, and many Balinese had migrated from the islands of Sumatra and Sulawesi. People lived by agriculture, built temples and practiced rituals. The ‘angel dance’ was for the baptism of the people in the village.

by : Michael Moerman

Year 1979-1981

Bali

Bali Celebration at the temple pura desa for (Record card) Performance and worship for the Hindu deity. According to Balinese belief, there was the only one god, but he appeared in many forms. The offerings were presents to the river, air and food. Work and income of the Balinese was also highlighted. Balinese sold land to send their children for higher education, and to finance the cremation of deceased family members. Leaders had decision-making power in village management, with the approval of the people in the village. A cock-fight would be held for a festival of the temple, to sacrifice blood for the spirit. The Balinese believed TV was boring and did not let children watch too much, because it would impair learning. Students would use the Indonesian language, rather than Balinese, to avoid the racist implications. A celebration at Banjar Temple was to celebrate the new sanctuary. People brought out offering to sacrifice to the spirits, and a wayang wong performance. The villagers would kill pigs and goats to cook.