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Ivatan Laji

Indigenous Oral Poetry from Batanes

Audio & Lyrics
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The Singers
About the projectLAJI [caption id=u0022attachment_38u0022 align=u0022alignrightu0022 width=u0022300u0022 caption=u0022Marcelo Aguas, 95, is a Laji singer and resident of Mahatao, Batan.u0022][/caption] For generations, the Ivatan people of the northern Philippines have been singing Laji, a unique and ancient verbal art that combines poetic language and melody. It is traditionally recited in social settings, such as pre-wedding conferences, wakes and courtship. The playful and complex lyrics capture the communal spirit and the cultural knowledge of this remote indigenous community. But today, the tradition — and the spirit and linguistic diversity it embodies — is in danger of vanishing. This project is an effort to document and preserve Laji through field recordings, scholarship and eduational materials. Its purpose is to use multimedia tools to make Laji available to the Ivatans in Batanes and in the broader global community. If you care about this mission and want to get involved, please contact me here. [caption id=u0022attachment_41u0022 align=u0022alignleftu0022 width=u0022300u0022 caption=u0022Marta Vaso, AGE, is one of that last two Laji singers left in the village of Ivana, Batan.u0022][/caption] NOTE: The audio, video and text on this website draw from a collective cultural heritage. In accordance with the United Nations…on intellectural property rights….The content is to be used solely foru0026hellip;
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Paciencia Gutierrez de Guzman

Kaynatwan, Itbayat
AGE: 85
LAJI: Adngeyen Mu A Vakes Ku, Alawen Ku Naw Pasuk, Inawyay Aku Antayi, Uda Urayen Pa

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