Igal Ka’mbo’an: A Sama Master’s Perspective on Passing Tradition to the Next Generations

Abstract

Igal, the traditional dance of the Sama people in Tawi-Tawi, holds profound cultural and historical significance as both a way of life and a ritual expression. Often compared to pangalay and pansak, igal possesses unique stylistic and symbolic elements that reflect the identity and traditions of the Sama community. Based on collaborative ethnographic research conducted in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, from October to November 2024, including in-depth interviews and participant observation with Sama igal master Nursida Jaluddin, who also serves as co-author, this paper explores the nuances of igal, highlighting its variations in Sibutu and Bongao, and examines efforts to teach this art form to younger generations, particularly through initiatives at Mindanao State University– Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU- TCTO). Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including limited resources, scarcity of skilled igal masters, and waning appreciation for the dance, which some audiences perceive as less entertaining. There is also a growing concern that festival- oriented innovations, introduced to enhance audience appeal, may overshadow and slowly displace more traditional forms, contributing to the misrecognition of ancestral igal as overly simple or outdated. However, opportunities for preservation and revitalization abound, such as the establishment of a School of Living Traditions (SLT) for igal, development of an igal guidebook, integration of igal into school curricula, and increased incentives for performers. Furthermore, deeper research into igal’s historical and cultural connections could strengthen its role in affirming Sama identity. This study highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the survival and transmission of igal to future generations, thereby safeguarding it as a living testament to Sama heritage.