The Epic of 10 Datus

--Due to the rapacity of the ruler of Borneo, named Datu Makatunaw, ten datus ventured to escape his grasp by boarding their long ships called barangays in order to seek out new lands. These men, whose names were Datu Puti, Datu Sumakwel, Datu Bangkaya, Datu Paiborong, Datu Paduhinogan, Datu Dumangsol, Datu Libay, Datu Dumangsil, Datu Domalogdog, and Datu Balensuela, eventually became the founders of the pre-colonial Philippine civilization. Upon sailing the seas, they in time reached a couple of islands called Panay and Sinugbuhan. These islands were under the rule of an Aeta “big-man” named Marikudo. These pygmy-like bands that practiced hunting and gathering as well as slash and burn farming (kaingin), was initially in terror of the Borneans. However, Datu Puti, who was the leader of the group, sought a peaceful alliance and was therefore welcomed by the Aetas. Immediately, they forged trade relations with the natives exchanging their combs, hatchets, knives and copper swords (called kris) to the Aetas’ deer horns, boar teeth, bamboo baskets, and various maritime products.

--To commemorate the new alliance, Marikudo invited his new associates for a feast under the thick, broad branches of his dapdap and the bounteous food was laid on banana leaves. The Borneans came wearing splendid accoutrements. The men wore kerchiefs wound 4 times around their heads, grandiose jewelry, sleeveless and collarless vests and various shirts. The women wore their heads parted in the middle and knotted in two like horns of a cow’s calf perched on each ear. They had long sleeved blouses and they had long, ornately colored skirts called tapis.

--In this feast, the Datus negotiated the purchase of land and since the Aetas thought that the island was too large to farm, they agreed. The Aetas, who preferred the cover of forests and mountains, retreated to such areas (where they can still be found today), while the Datus divided portions of the island and thus founded the various clans of the Philippine culture.