THE LIFE STORIES OF UNDISTINGUISHED AMERICAN AS TOLD BY THEM (1906)

 

In the book The Life Stories of Undistinguished Americans as Told by Themselves (1906) is Chapter 13 titled, “The Life Story of an Igorrote Chief”-

This is the first documented translated interview with an Igorot in America.

It is with a performer in the Igorot Exhibitions, Chief Fomoaley, a leader from the Bontoc Igorot community in the Philippines. He shares the story of his life and experiences visiting the United States in the early 1900s, telling of the way of living, beliefs, and responses to colonial pressures of Igorots in that time.

Summary of "The Life Story of an Igorrote Chief"

🌄 Life in Bontoc

  • Fomoaley grew up in a mountain village with strong traditions and a deep respect for nature.
  • His community practiced head-hunting as a way to prove bravery and earn respect, especially before marriage.

🗺️ Beliefs and Culture

  • The Igorot people believe their ancestors were the first humans and that they have their own version of the flood story.
  • They worship a nature-based god who helps crops grow and protects them.
  • They don’t believe in wearing many clothes, especially for children, because they think nature keeps people healthy.

⚔️ Resistance to Spanish Rule

  • The community fought against Spanish colonizers who wanted taxes and labor from them.
  • Fomoaley describes battles where they used their knowledge of the land to defeat Spanish soldiers and protect their village.

✈️ Visiting America

  • Americans invited Fomoaley and others to the U.S. to show their way of life at public exhibits.
  • He saw cities, trains, lights, and other technologies for the first time and was amazed—but didn’t think his people needed those things back home.
  • He felt sad for Americans who seemed sickly and tired from working too much and wearing clothes all the time.

🎭 Being Put on Display

  • In places like Coney Island, Fomoaley’s group was watched by crowds who misunderstood them as “primitive” or strange.
  • He wanted Americans to learn from his people’s peaceful and natural lifestyle rather than mock it.