Ifugao Law (In American Archaeology and Ethnology, Vol. 15, No. 1)

"Ifugao Law" by Roy Franklin Barton is a study of the rules and traditions that govern the Ifugao people, who are famous for their amazing rice terraces in the Philippines. The book explores how Ifugao law comes from their customs and taboos, covering topics like family matters, owning property, criminal actions, and what people owe to each other. It starts by explaining the Ifugao way of life, pointing out that even though they don't have a formal government, they have strong customary laws based on taboos and social expectations. It suggests that even though some might call them "uncivilized," the Ifugao people are able to live peacefully together because of their customary laws, which are very important to their society, as Barton examines unique aspects of Ifugao law, such as marriage agreements, how property is passed down, and clan duties, within the context of anthropological studies of early societies.