Ipat a Kadsakay captures the ritual practices of the Maguindanaon people - the largest ethnic group of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. While Islam is an important aspect of everyday life within this community, there remains ancient traditions of spirituality within the region.
Ipat is a pre-Islamic healing ritual performed in the outskirts of Cotabato City and Maguindanao. In the Maguindanaon culture, it is believed that human existence is governed by spirits or energies, called tonong. Ipat is hosted by a family or community, and led by a patutunong (shaman) who enters into trance to facilitate the interaction of spirits and people. The ritual can last from three to seven nights, with some even lasting fourteen. The ceremonial space is adorned in pandala (flags) and a hanging spirit boat called a biday.
Ipat a Kadsakay follows the life cycle of the ipat ritual - beginning with the preparation of attire and space, culminating in Kapangebat (ceremony), the preparation of the offering, the send off of the offering into the Pulangi river, and the community celebration to mark the end of the ritual.
Ipat is a pre-Islamic healing ritual performed in the outskirts of Cotabato City and Maguindanao. In the Maguindanaon culture, it is believed that human existence is governed by spirits or energies, called tonong. Ipat is hosted by a family or community, and led by a patutunong (shaman) who enters into trance to facilitate the interaction of spirits and people. The ritual can last from three to seven nights, with some even lasting fourteen. The ceremonial space is adorned in pandala (flags) and a hanging spirit boat called a biday.
Ipat a Kadsakay follows the life cycle of the ipat ritual - beginning with the preparation of attire and space, culminating in Kapangebat (ceremony), the preparation of the offering, the send off of the offering into the Pulangi river, and the community celebration to mark the end of the ritual.
World Premiere: Ipat a Kadsakay | Trailer
Ipat a Kadsakay, presented by Parangal and World Arts West, captures the ancient origin stories and vanishing spiritual practices of the Maguindanaon people.