Analysis of Selected
Primary Sources of History
MODULE II
Learning Targets:
Identify and differentiate the primary and secondary
sources in understanding Philippine History.
Compare the context, content, and perspective to
different kinds of historical sources using Comparative
Matrix.
“Those who cannot remember
the past are condemned to
repeat it”
-George Santayana,
The Life of Reason, 1905
Introduction
In conducting any historical research, different sources of
information are required to gain extensive knowledge on a particular
topic. Some researchers rely on written sources while others choose
oral sources. No matter what source is being utilized, it is important to
know which among the gathered sources can provide accurate details
and information about the historical event or subject being researched
on.
Primary Sources
considered as contemporary accounts of an event,
personally written or narrated by an individual who
directly experienced or participated in the said event.
Aside from eyewitness testimonies, primary sources
also include materials that capture the event, such as
photographs, voice and video recordings, and the
like. These materials are considered original sources
that directly narrate the details of the event.
Examples:
Secondary Sources
it serve as interpretations or readings of primary sources.
These sources usually contain analyses of primary sources by
experts, academicians, and professionals.
These are usually in the form of published works, such as
journals, articles, reviews, books, conference papers, and
documentaries
They can also be based on interpretations of other secondary
sources or a combination of primary and secondary sources.
Theories on the peopling of the
Philippines
The Tabon Caves: Archaeological
Explorations and Excavations on
Palawan Island, Philippines
(1970)
a foundational study by Robert Fox in
Philippine archaeology. It documents the
discoveries made during his extensive
fieldwork at the Tabon Caves on Palawan
Island, often referred to as the "Cradle of
Philippine Civilization."
The Tabon Man fossils, discovered in 1962 in the Tabon Caves,
include remains of at least three individuals, such as a large frontal
bone (forehead)fragment.
Found alongside stone tools (likely Flake Assemblage III), these
fossils date back 22,000–24,000 years.
The remains, identified as Homo sapiens, show larger-than-average
skull dimensions compared to modern Filipinos, disproving claims
of lower intelligence.
However, disturbed excavation areas and incomplete analysis call
for further study to confirm their age and context.
Beyer’s Wave Migration Theory
Henry Otley Beyer (1940)
1. Dawn Man
2. Negritos (Aetas)
3. Indonesian
4. Malay
Dawn Man
The first inhabitants, who were early humans or pre-modern
hominids.
Believed to have arrived during the Pleistocene epoch (~250,000
years ago) through land bridges connecting the Philippines to
mainland Asia.
Evidence for this group is mostly speculative, as no direct fossils
have been found.
Negritos
Arrived ~30,000–25,000 years ago.
Migrated via land bridges and are believed
to be among the first Homo sapiens in the
Philippines.
Known for their small stature, dark skin, and
curly hair.
Descendants include the modern-day
Negrito groups in the Philippines.
Indonesian Group
Arrived in two waves around 5,000–
6,000 years ago.
First wave: Tall, slender, seafaring
Austronesians with advanced tools and
pottery.
Second wave: Shorter, stockier people
with different cultural traits.
Introduced early agricultural practices.
Malays
Arrived ~2,000–3,000 years ago.
Introduced more advanced agriculture,
metal tools, and social organization,
including the barangay system.
Their arrival is considered the most
significant in shaping early Filipino culture.
Bellwood’'s Austronesian Diffusion Theory
Peter Bellwood
Key Points:
1. Origin in Taiwan:
The Austronesian-speaking peoples originated in Taiwan around 4,000–5,000
years ago.
They developed advanced seafaring and agricultural skills.
2. Southward Expansion:
Migrated from Taiwan to the Philippines, then spread to Indonesia, Malaysia,
Micronesia, Polynesia, and Madagascar.
Movement occurred through maritime routes in small, continuous waves.
Bellwood's Austronesian Diffusion Theory
Peter Bellwood
Key Points:
3. Cultural Contributions:
Introduced agriculture, pottery, and advanced navigation techniques to the
Philippines.
Established the linguistic and cultural foundation of many Philippine ethnic groups.
4. Evidence:
Linguistic: Philippine languages are closely related to Formosan (Taiwanese) languages.
Archaeological: Pottery and tools show similarities between Taiwan and Philippine
artifacts.
Genetic: Modern Filipinos share genetic markers with Taiwanese populations.
The Island Origin Hypothesis
Wilhelm Solheim II
it suggests that Austronesian culture developed locally in Southeast
Asia, including the Philippines, rather than originating in Taiwan. The
Nusantao Maritime Culture spread through trade and interaction
among island communities, not mass migrations. This emphasizes the
role of indigenous islanders in shaping Austronesian language and
culture.
**The term "Nusantao" combines nusa (islands) and tao (people), emphasizing their maritime nature.
Jocano's Core Population Theory
F. Landa Jocano
early population of the Philippines developed around a
central core area and expanded outward through migration,
trade, and interaction.
Key Points:
1. Central Core:
The Philippines' core population likely emerged around areas with fertile lands
and strategic trade routes, such as Luzon and Visayas.
2. Expansion through Interaction:
The population spread outward through a process of interaction, cultural
exchange, and migration to neighboring islands.
3. Cultural Evolution:
This theory emphasizes the gradual evolution of local cultures as communities
interacted with each other.
4. Evidence:
Archaeological sites, artifacts, and genetic studies support this theory, showing
connections and exchanges among different island groups.
Conclusion:
Primary and secondary sources both play crucial roles in historical research.
Primary sources provide direct evidence and firsthand accounts of past events,
which are essential for understanding historical contexts and individual
experiences. Secondary sources, by interpreting and analyzing primary sources,
offer broader insights and help place historical events within a larger framework.
Together, they enable historians to construct well-rounded narratives that
acknowledge complexities and multiple perspectives, leading to a deeper
understanding of history.
Activity: (1 whole sheet yellow paper)
Analyze the role of primary sources in shaping our understanding
of historical events. How do these sources differ from secondary
sources, and why is their analysis crucial in historical research?
