The Manóbos of Mindanáo Memoirs of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume XXIII, First Memoir

"The Manóbos of Mindanáo" by John M. Garvan is an early 20th-century ethnographic study that explores the unique way of life of the Manóbo people, an indigenous group residing in eastern Mindanáo, Philippines. Serving as a detailed record, the book carefully examines the Manóbos' cultural customs, social structures, and physical attributes, striving to provide a thorough understanding of this tribal society. Starting with the book's introduction, readers gain insights into the complex geographical landscape and sociological dynamics in which the Manóbos exist. The book sets out to understand key terminologies and clarifies the classification and geographical arrangement of the Manóbo people, along with neighboring tribes in eastern Mindanáo. Garvan investigates the different meanings and implications of the term "Manóbo," noting how its use changes based on perspective and cultural connection, constructing a base for further investigation into their physical traits and distinctive cultural activities.