• They are dark-skinned, snub-nosed, and curly-haired, hunting, and nomadic small people from Luzon, Philippines, and they were thought to be the descendants of the first inhabitants of the country.
• Known to have arrived in the Philippines more than 30,000 years ago (although theories as to how they migrated to the country are still debated), the aeta (pronounced as “eyeta” and also known as Negritos) used to live in different areas in the Philippines; however, they learned to dwell in the high lands of Negros, Mindanao, and Luzon as they were thought to have shown resistance to change.

Above: A picture of negrito family

• The different groups in this animist tribe are known in several names. Some were called Pugot (in Northern Luzon), Ati (in Negros), Dumagat (in Central Luzon), and others. “Baluga” is also another term used to call the aeta, and they resent non-aeta coined names if they find them offensive.
• The women simply wear wraparound skirts and beaded (or copper wire) accessories, whereas the men wear the “bahag” (or g-string) belted with rattan.
• Aetas are also known to be good at weaving mats and plaiting and are also considered as one of the Filipino tribes with the most colorful musical heritage. Among the documented aeta musical instruments were the bamboo violin, the flute, and various kinds of gong ensembles.

Above: The More Recent Look of the Aeta

• At present, a government policy called the “Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA)” claims to protect and promote the rights of indigenous people like the aeta, although some human rights activists question several features of the policy and its capability to really cater to the indigenous people’s needs.

Above: Aeta people, Nomadic and Happy