Aeta people

The Aeta people, an ethnic group in Luzon, Philippines, consist of approximately 15,000-20,000 individuals, primarily speaking languages within the Austronesian family. They practice animism, believing spirits permeate nature and objects, and use rituals and herbolarios (traditional healers) to maintain spiritual harmony. Their subsistence economy relies on hunting, gathering, and fishing, facing threats from environmental changes.

The Aeta lack formal leadership but respect elders for guidance, resisting imposed governance structures despite occasional adoption under external pressure. They exhibit cultural resilience through traditional practices like body scarification and herbal medicine, blending natural remedies with spiritual beliefs. Gender roles are strictly defined, excluding women from most decision-making processes. The Aeta's ability to uphold their traditions amidst modernization challenges underscores their cultural significance and ongoing efforts to preserve their identity.