Exploring the Indigenous
Healing Ritual for Barkes
in a Neo-Durkheimian
Lens
Rudolf T. Vecaldo
rudolfvecaldo@gmail.com
Instructor, College of Teacher Education
Cagayan State University
Andrews Campus, Tuguegarao City,
Cagayan
Background of the Study
• Observance of folk healing rituals despite the
flourishing of modern medicine and the provision of
health services
• No study conducted on the healing ritual for barkes
• Development of a clear understanding of the ritual
• Reflection of the strengths of indigenous Filipino
character
Objectives
• Draw the meaning of barkes
• Explore the dynamics of the healing ritual
for barkes
• Determine the role of the healing ritual
in enhancing intergroup interaction and solidarity
• Identify the threats to the healing ritual for barkes
Theoretical Framework
Neo- Durkheimian Perspective
Shared
emotional
attunement
Physical
copresence
Social
Interaction
Interaction Ritual Chains
(Collins, 2004)
Methods
Fieldwork
Interview
Qualitative
design
Case
Study
Observation
Study Setting:
Casigayan, Tabuk,
Kalinga
Results and Discussion
Meaning of Barkes
It is a skin disease that is
irresponsive to medically
acceptable remedies
Dynamics of the Healing Ritual
Diagnosis
Post-ritual advice
Preparation
of the healing
instruments
Measuring the barkes
Role of the Healing Ritual for Barkes
in Enhancing Group Interaction and
Solidarity
Healing Ritual
for Barkes
Threats to the Healing Ritual for
Barkes
• Skepticism
• Only one mangngagas
Conclusion
Healing Ritual for Barkes
Shared
emotional
attunement
Mangngagas
and
Nabarkes
Intergroup Interaction and
Solidarity
Interaction
Ritual Chains
Recommendations
• Conduct of studies in wider perspective,
especially covering the anthropological sketch of
the healing ritual for barkes
• Continuous effort in documenting indigenous
practices especially the healing rituals
Impact/Outcomes of the Study
• Greater awareness of the people as regards the
essence of the healing ritual for barkes
• Integration of the healing ritual for barkes in some
discussions in the subject “Society and Culture”
• Recognition of the cultural practices of the migrant
settlers in Tabuk, Kalinga
Bibliography
Barbalet, Jack (2006) ‘Emotional Payoff of Ritual’ [review article about
Randall Collins, Interaction Ritual Chains]. European Journal of
Sociology. 2006, 47(3): 446-51. Retrieved from
http://www.jackbarbalet.com/uploads/EMOTIONAL_PAYOFF_OF_RIT
UAL.pdf
Bonifacio, Ramos V. (2009). “Suring: A Folk Healing Ritual Among the
I-Vintar Ilokanos in Nueva Viscaya,” Sukimat Researches on Ilokano
and Amianan Studies (Proceedings of the 2007-2008 Nakem
Conferences), pp. 109-126.
Collins, Randall (2004). Interaction Ritual Chains. Retrieved December
7, 2011, from
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0691123896/theassoofreli20
Bibliography
Peralta, Hesus T. (2000) Glimpses: Peoples of the Philippines.
Philippines: National Commission for Culture and the Arts, pp.2-12.
Ritual. Retrieved November 18, 2011, from ARDA official website:
http://wiki.thearda.com/tcm/theories/functionalism/
The Bago: Its Origin and Culture 2nd Edition. (2006). LSK Printing
Services. Baguio City. pp. 26-35
The Philippine Alternative Medicine. Retrieved December 5, 2011,
from http://www.stuartxchange.org/Cordillera.html.