The Birth of Sacred Syncretism in The Matigsalug Indigenous Dance: A Modern World Perspective
Abstract
Indigenous dance is gradually disappearing. Guided by Vygotsky's Cultural-Historical Activity Theory, which posits that Indigenous dance encompasses dynamic motivation, societal structures and rules, and means of performance. I explore the experiences of Matigsalug Indigenous Cultural Communities using a qualitative descriptive approach. The data from the focus group discussion with eight (8) purposively selected cultural bearers were thematically analyzed. The findings indicated sacred syncretism manifested in spiritual rituals and contemporary fusion, showing how traditional practices adapt to modern influences while preserving authenticity. Hence, Indigenous dance is a vital expression of ancestral preservation, dance as cultural expression, and community engagement. Further, it emphasized the importance of guided cultural leadership, preservation of cultural order, and community. In addition, indigenous dance is viewed as a performative culture deeply connected to courtship practices and musical coordination. The community leaders, policymakers, and local government should create community-led workshops, mentorship programs, and heritage celebrations that actively engage the community. Future studies may use comparative analysis to explore the changes across indigenous communities, a longitudinal study to examine intergenerational transmission, and an experimental design to investigate the impacts of modern elements.