Kodsayow

Dances, termed as Kodsayow, are an exciting part of the Bagobo culture.

In the past, whenever there was a good harvest or an occasion of a blessing ritual, there would be a gathering of the Bagobos. In these large gatherings, gongs would be played accompanied by drums made from dried deerskin, bamboo zither, flute or Jew’s harp. As the ensemble progresses to a much faster tempo, excited men and women would rise up and be seen dancing in the center of the throng of people.

Here the men and women will be seen moving their gentle feet at the rising and falling of the music’s crescendo. Women could be seen shuffling about a male dancer as a sign of pleasing their partner. Each of the women seems to compete for the attention  of the male. The dance is truly symbolic. An ideation of Bagobo relationships.

Bagobo dance performed by Elias B. Lopez (+), former Mayor of Davao City  (tribal festivities during the 80’s)

The Bagobo women wear their best woven dress, armlets, leglets, headpieces, belts and bracelets. For the men, their finest multicolored abaca-woven jackets, short pants, headdress, arm bands, bells , belts and other indigenous fineries.

One of the more popular types of dance celebration is during an appointment of a tribal chief. Here, Bagobo women dance with the heir-designate, regale him and shower him with flowers. This is a most noble tradition among the people in honoring their leaders.

Finally, Bagobo dances are performed barefoot. It is a tradition among the people that dancing barefoot keeps one close to mother earth, the nurturer and provider of all good things. It is the representation of the basic grounding of these people to the good soil. nobody dances wearing shoes and slippers.

The feet celebrate life, wearing nothing but its nakedness.

Bagobo dances are traditionally showcased to the public on the occasion of the Araw ng Dabaw, celebrated every month of March of each year. At this time, one will be able to view up close not only authentic displays of Bagobo dances, but also their multicolored abaca-inspired dresses.

For a historian or an anthropologist, it will be a rediscovery of an ancient culture. But for the first time traveler in Davao City, it will truly be a delight!