Ato are men’s tribunals in Bontoc. The ato serves as the traditional seat of government of the Bontoc tribe and still plays a vital role in settling community disputes. Elders here plan for a chomno (fiesta) or settle conflicts within or outside the tribe where tribemates are involved.
The ato is traditionally thatched with cogon grass. Most atos now however are replaced with GI sheets. The front yard display carabao horns the number of which reflect the stature of the hierarchy of the ato with neighboring atos. The more horns displayed, the higher is the stature of the ato.
There are at least 10 tribunals in Bontoc Ili. The seat of indigenous politics, the ato then served as the ceremonial site where the heads and jaws of enemies taken by avenging Bontoc warriors are hang in totem poles as signs of victory and courage.
Just like the dap-ay of neighboring Sagada, the ato traditionally serve as sleeping quarters for boys and single male members of the community.
There are at least 10 dap-ays in Poblacion Sagada. Six are located in Demang barangay and one in Barangay Ambasing. The celebration of the begnas for one, takes place in a host dap ay where selection of the dap-ay is based on what the elders agree on.
The dap-ay is the seat of rituals. It signifies political unity and social belonging in the community. With this, it emanates that
cultural attitude of inayan, a guiding belief of not doing any harm to one, lest harm shall befall one or his/her family members. The celebration of the begnas is a three-day ritual festivity observed in the dap-ay before the planting and harvest season. The festivity is done on the months of March, June and October usually before the phase of the moon changes. Men, women, and children gather in the dap-ay and join in a festive thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, or in a ritual which seeks good luck and good harvest.
Photo Credit: Sagada elder
Photo credit: Dap-ay in Sagada
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