An eco-material cultural study on bird traps among the Palawan of the Philippines (study budaya ekologi dan material perangkap burung pada masyarakat Palawan di Pulau Palawan, Filipina)

This study clarifies how eco-material culture is exemplified in bird traps and the use in the environment in terms of: 1) the ecological aspects and material culture of bird traps; 2) the practicality of trapping techniques; and 3) the relationships among bird traps, birds, and people from an ethno-archaeological viewpoint. The research target is the Palawan, an indigenous people of Palawan Island, the Philippines. The research methods are interviews and participant observation. The research suggests that current bird traps are made of plant materials with nylon for convenience, but plant materials remain fundamental. Further, since Palawan bird-trapping technology is unrefined, and as traps are sometimes unsuccessful, trapping is likely done for enjoyment and as a challenge. Thus, bird traps connect humans to nature, as reflected in the Palawan’s eco-material culture.