Echoes from the Past: Exploring the Hanging Coffins of Sagada

Sagada is a quaint town nestled in the Cordillera Mountains. What sets it apart is the unique practice of hanging coffins on cliffs, a traditional burial method of the Igorot people. I explored the Lumiang Burial Cave, where over a hundred coffins are stacked on top of each other. It was fascinating to see the intricately carved wooden coffins and to learn about the rituals surrounding death and burial in this culture. The cave walls were adorned with ancient etchings that told the stories of the ancestors. Outside, I trekked to the Echo Valley and witnessed the breathtaking sight of the hanging coffins suspended from the cliffs. The guide told me that some coffins date back to over 2,000 years. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of such ancient customs and to appreciate the Igorot people's connection with nature.