Earlier this week it was announced that the remains of a new species of human beings have been located in the Philippines. Homo luzonesis, a unique specimen found in Callao Cave, is dated from between 67,000 years and 50,000 years ago. This discovery got me to thinking about the pre-colonial Philippines. What kind of cultures did the Spanish first encounter?

5. There was a Hindu influence on early language and writing as evidenced by the Tagalog words: budhi (conscience), mukha (face), guro (teacher), tala (star), among them.

4. Slavery played a significant role in pre-colonial village life. It was a sign of wealth within the community, especially if the slaves were captured in raiding parties on other villages.

3. No specific nation-state existed before the arrival of the Spanish. The collection of islands was not concerned with having a central government of the community.

2. At least 10 syllabaries are known to have been used in the pre-colonial Philippines. Literacy did not appear to be widespread. Communities seem to have relied heavily on singing, chanting, and oral passing of traditions.

1. Gender equality seemed clear in most villages. Equality is shown in the Tagalog language by non-gendered nominative pronouns, and in the collective creation myth, that man and woman appeared out of bamboo at the same time. It shocked the Spanish to see women treated as equals in their communities and not constrained to remain faithful to one man.

Studying the pre-colonial Philippines helps us better understand how Spanish and American values have influenced Filipino culture. Also, it advocates for gender equality and LGBT rights as many discriminatory ideas became mainstreamed after colonization.
What number shocked you more? Is there anything you would add to this list?