A new book on Ifugao history to be launched in Naga

The Ateneo de Naga University Press, despite being a small, provincial university press, continues to break new frontiers by publishing books that will intensify the decolonization studies in areas under the Humanities and Social Sciences. Fr. Wilmer Tria, the university press director is pleased to present the Philippine edition of this new book by Dr. Stephen Acabado and Mr. Marlon Martin entitled Decolonizing Ifugao History: Indigenous Archaeology in the Philippines. The book is published in the US by the University of Arizona Press. The book launching is scheduled on June 23, 2022 at the Kamarin Art Gallery of Savage Mind Bookshop at 5 Peninsula St. Mayon Avenue, Tinago, Naga City. In attendance during the launching are the two authors and the members of the Bikol Archaeological Team headed by Acabado who hails from the town of Tinambac, Camarines Sur and is now a professor in the University of California in Los Angeles.

This book highlights how collaborative archaeology and knowledge co-production among the Ifugao, an Indigenous group in the Philippines, contested (and continue to contest) enduring colonial tropes. Stephen B. Acabado and Marlon M. Martin explain how the Ifugao made decisions that benefited them, including formulating strategies by which they took part in the colonial enterprise, exploiting the colonial economic opportunities to strengthen their sociopolitical organization, and co-opting the new economic system. The archaeological record shows that the Ifugao successfully resisted the Spanish conquest and later accommodated American empire building. This book illustrates how descendant communities can take control of their history and heritage through active collaboration with archaeologists. Drawing on the Philippine Cordillera experiences, the authors demonstrate how changing historical narratives help empower peoples who are traditionally ignored in national histories. (Lifted fromhttps://www.amazon.com/Indigenous-Archaeology-Philippines-Decolonizing-History/dp/0816545022)

Two other book launchings are scheduled, on July 18, 2022, the book will be presented in Kiangan, Ifugao and on July 21, 2022 at the National Museum in Manila. For orders, please check the following links: https://www.facebook.com/SavageMindBikol or https://www.facebook.com/adnupress.