Ilokano Pre-History
The history of the modern Ilokano people began about 4500 BC, with the settling of northern Luzon. This period of settlement is generally termed as
the Ayusan period, so named for the distinct earthenware pottery and statues found in the vicinity of Ayusan settlement. The Ayusan period is further divided into three component periods.
Starting around 4500 BC, successive waves of Austronesian-speaking peoples began to immigrate from the Asian mainland, facilitated with the use of
virays, or boats. The gradual settlement of these peoples marks the beginning of the
Early Ayusan period. Alongside this immigration came the development of a sedentary culture, marked by the early pottery and the beginnings of small-scale agriculture. This period is also characterized by the formation of what could arguably be called an Ilokano culture, based around the nascent Tuhan mythology and pantheon. Early Ayusan culture would flourish, thanks largely in part to a population expansion of the early Ilokano people, a result of prevailing sedentary attitudes and agriculture.
An example of an Early Ayusan statuette, which would on occasion be used as part of ancient Tuhan rituals, usually as an offering.
The arrival of dry-land rice farming around 3500 BC marks the end of the Early Ayusan period and the start of the
Middle Ayusan period. The introduction of metallurgy and the occurrence of significant settlements are seen as the defining characteristics of this period, along with the beginnings of government control and the storage and redistribution of crops, namely rice.
Finally, the
Late Ayusan period began about 3000 BC, distinguished by the emergence of a distinct regional architectural style and the formation of the early Baybayin script. There also emerged a new cohesiveness and sense of community within the Ilokano people. This would manifest itself in the marriage customs and religious festivals of the period. Here at this time, a distinctive Ilokano polity was formed.
Early Baybayin script. Translates as No sáan nga makaammó nga nangtaliáw ti naggapuánna, saán a makadánon ti papanánna or He who does not look back to his origins will not reach his destination
With the advent of wet-rice cultivation, the Ayusan period came to a close around 2500 BC. With this new method of growing rice, the Ilokano population saw a boost in population, as well as the rise of city-states. One such city, Nagsangalan,
[1] saw the ascendance of Datu Madayag,
[2] a powerful and popular leader, who would eventually venture out of Nagsangalan to convince surrounding areas to follow under his rule. This would signify the rise of the Kingdom of Kailokuan.
[3]
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[1] pronounced nag-sa-NGA-lan; alternatively spelt Nagsangálan, but not as common as Nagsangalan
[2] Datu, meaning king
[3] pronounced ka-ih-LO-ku-an; alternatively spelt Kailókuan, but not as common as Kailokuan; adjective - Ilokano (not Kailokuanese)