The Culture The Sama-Bajau are known by many names most significantly Sama-Dilaut or “People of the Sea.” Although only 10% of the Bajau today spend their lives exclusively on the oceans’ waves, the Bajau have stayed true to their name sake settling on the reefs, tidal flats and coasts of the fertile “Coral Triangle”, an area of the Southern Philippines and Sabah. The Sama-Bajau still use their boats, spears in hand, to fish the brackish water depths in search of the day’s catch. The Bajau are incredible swimmers and are able to hold their breaths for over two minutes. These abilities allow the Bajau to also search for pearls at ocean depths of over 30 feet (10 meters).
After finishing the day’s activities, the sea’s harvest of fish, shells, algae and pearls are taken to local markets to barter for favorite foods such as cassava, rice, and kamote. Most Sama-Bajau living in coastal communities or on reefs occupy simple bamboo huts on stilts. Each of the Bajau homes comprises a larger clan in which the women care for the children and men take to the sea in fishing regattas. Tribal and religious leaders named panglimas act as representatives on the community’s behalf and act as village elders to keep peace within.
The language of Sinama is the common thread that interconnects Sama-Bajau. Sinama acts as the main mediator of the traditional methods of education used by the Bajau. Most learning takes place through imitation and games. Additionally cultural values are passed down through chanted oral epics known as Tenes-Tenes that take place during special occasions and family gatherings.
Traditionally the Sama-Bajau believed that the world has a duality of the physical and spiritual realms that are ruled over by Tuhan the god of the sky. A sacred ritual dance named the Magipa’igal Jinn set to tumbal drums is used to bridge the gap of the two worlds and bring balance. In several areas of Sabah and Tawi-Tawi, these are still regularly practiced.
As time has progressed the Bajau have survived adapting much of the mainlander customs, yet most still cling to their cultural roots and ties. Even in this changing age, those that have decided to move to Luzon, in search of better opportunities, have stayed close to their cultural roots always remembering the mother ocean.
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