Hanging Coffins of Sagada, Philippines

Members of the Igorot Tribe of Mountain Province in northern Philippines have long practiced the tradition of burying their dead in hanging coffins nailed attached to the sides of cliff faces high above the ground. The procedure can be traced back more than 2,000 years. Positioned between mist covered caves this mysterious village near the Chico River this mysterious village is far from the tropical images usually associated with the Philippines.

It is believed that positioning the bodies higher brings them closer to their ancestral spirits. There are fears of being buried in the ground. Water seeping into the soil causing them to rot. Savages hunting for heads to take home as trophies and wild animals.  This way the corpse is safe.

From Baguio I arrange a private car for the 3 hour drive to Sagada. Passing through thisscenic  Nat’l Park Mountain Range a rest stop at the Kabayan “Fire” Mummies museum ought to get you in the mood. It all certainly qualifies as a creepy spot for sightseeing.

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