The Head Hunters of Northern Luzon

The Head Hunters of Northern Luzon by Cornelis De Witt Willcox is an ethnographic and travel account documenting the author's exploration of the remote regions of Northern Luzon in the Philippines. Willcox, a U.S. military officer and scholar, travels through the rugged and mountainous areas inhabited by indigenous tribes, many of whom were known for their headhunting practices at the time.The book provides detailed descriptions of the customs, traditions, and social structures of the Igorot people, particularly their rituals and ceremonies related to headhunting—a practice driven by complex cultural and religious beliefs. Willcox also sheds light on the daily lives of the tribes, their agricultural practices, craftsmanship, and communal life. He captures the beauty of the landscape, emphasizing the contrast between the dramatic natural scenery and the tribal societies living in relative isolation from the outside world.