The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 - Volume 40 of 55, 1690-1691 / Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

30253

Title

The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 - Volume 40 of 55, 1690-1691 / Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume offers a comprehensive ethnological survey of the Philippine Islands from 1690–1691, featuring contemporary missionary accounts of native customs, beliefs, and social structures. Edited by Blair and Robertson with notes by Bourne, it presents diverse perspectives on the archipelago's peoples, ranging from Jesuit observations of Mindanao tribes to Franciscan insights into Luzon society.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume XL of *The Philippine Islands, 1493–1898*, edited by Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson, presents a rich ethnological appendix detailing the native races and customs of the archipelago as observed by early Jesuit, Augustinian, and Franciscan missionaries. The volume opens with a 1691 document on events in Manila, highlighting ecclesiastical disputes between Bishop Barrientos and secular authorities like the Audiencia and Governor Zabálburu. The core content includes Francisco Colin's *Labor evangélica* (1663), which traces Malayan origins, describes the elegance of the Tagalog language, and details physical appearance, dress, food, religious superstitions, government (barangay), laws, marriage, slavery, and burial rites. Colin praises the natives' quickness and cleverness, noting their competence in public offices and printing. Francisco Combés' *Historia de Mindanao* (1667) focuses on southern tribes, noting the seafaring Lutaos, river-dwelling Subanos, and the Dapitans, while discussing piracy, sorcery, and the prevalence of slavery. Combés describes the Lutaos as dominant sea-traders comparable to the Iroquois, while characterizing the Subanos as slothful and the Dapitans as noble and brave. Gaspar de San Agustín's 1720 letter offers a critical, often disparaging view of the native character as fickle, lazy, and influenced by the moon, though he exempts Pampangos. These claims are countered by Delgado and Mas, who defend the natives' capacity for civilization and highlight Spanish arrogance. Delgado refutes San Agustín's aspersions, reminding readers that the Spanish economy and society absolutely depended on Indian labor in agriculture, stock-raising, trade, and navigation. Juan Francisco de San Antonio's *Crónicas* (1738) further explores racial mixtures, the aboriginal Negritos, and inheritance laws, noting the shift from customary to testamentary practices. The text reveals a complex society where Spanish rule relied on indigenous support, yet racial prejudice persisted among the colonizers. The volume also provides detailed accounts of marriage customs, burial rites, and social hierarchies, illustrating the intricate blend of native traditions and Christian influence during this period.

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Categories

• Religion
• History
• Travel