Santa Maria, Davao Occidental

Language and dialects

• Tagakaulo - a native dialect originates from the mixture of Bagobo, Mandaya, Davawenyo, and the Lumad peoples of Davao City.
• Cebuano

Customs and Beliefs

The Tagakaulu Kalagan are self-sufficient farmers, producing nearly all of their own food. Wet-rice is grown in the lowlands, and dry-rice and corn are farmed in the upland areas. Yams and sweet potatoes are also staple crops. Vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, and beans are grown; coconuts abound; and many kinds of fruit are available. Goats are raised for meat, and chickens are raised for both eggs and meat. In addition to farming, the Tagakaulu Kalagan catch fish and obtain wild foods and other various materials from the marshes around them. ^[7]

Those of highest rank in their society do not perform manual labor. Among the rest of the population, male/female division of labor is not very pronounced. Generally, men do the plowing, tilling, and other heavy farm work. The women do most of the domestic work, often assisted by their older children. ^[8]

Tagakaulu Kalagan art is confined mostly to weaving, basket making, and producing certain ornaments. Personal adornment in the form of bright clothing, beaded jewelry, and other accessories is distinctive and colorful. On special occasions, graceful dances are performed to the rhythmic music of gongs and other instruments. ^[9]

The Tagakaulu Kalagan social structure is unusual because it is modified by a system of social rank, certain rules of descent, and distinctive marriage patterns. For most purposes, social rank is less important than blood ties. Higher-ranking families maintain elaborate genealogies to prove their claims of descent. ^[10]

There is a strong preference for marriage between related families, especially marriage to second cousins. After marriage, the couple usually resides in the husband's community. Today, however, many young couples form their own independent households.

The Tagakaulu Kalagan were not introduced to Islam until Muslim missionaries arrived in the area during the 1500s. About half of the entire group of Kalagan came under Islamic influence at that time, and the group divided. Most of the Tagakaolo Kalagan became Muslims; however, the majority of the Tagakaulu Kalagan remained animists (believe that non-human objects have spirits). Today, many of them are still ethnic religionists, believing in the traditions and religions of their forefathers. They continue to believe in a variety of "environmental spirits." Many tales are also told of magic, sorcery, and supernatural beings. ^[11]