THE HANGING COFFINS OF SAGADA

CONSERVATION AND VISITOR MANAGEMENT PLAN

VIACRUCIS, CARLO LEAN F.

VERZOSA, EIKO JOY B.

PENA, AYESSA

ENRIQUEZ, RADA BEATRIZ L.

CASTILLO, VIVIENE CAMILLE C.

HT433ITTM

Lyceum of the Philippines University

Intramuros, Manila
Conservation and Visitor Management Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Situational Analysis …………………………………………………………………………… 3 – 11

a. Background of the Site / Attraction …………………………………………………. 3

b. Assessment of Heritage Merits ……………………………………………………... 4

c. Defining Issues / Situational Analysis (SWOT) …………………………………… 6

d. Significance of the Conservation and Visitor Management Plan ……………….. 10

II. Conservation and Visitor Management Policies

a. Vision

b. Strategic Goals

c. Conservation and Visitor Management Framework (Conceptual)

d. Strategies and Action Plan with Time Frame

e. Evaluation Strategies

III. References ……………………………………………………………………………………... 12

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I. Situational Analysis

A. Background of the Site / Attraction

Ever wanted to see a floating cemetery? Yes, you read that right. A floating

cemetery wherein the coffins are floating and inside are the remains of dead loved ones

or ancestors. Technically they are hung at the edge of a cliff or inside a burial cave, that

is why it is coined as a floating cemetery. Haunting? Spooky? Interesting? Well, it is one

of the ancient beliefs and customs that the Igorot tribe has been practicing in the

mountains of the Cordillera in Sagada for over 2,000 years.

For the past 2,000 years, the Igorot tribe has been creating and carving coffins for

the dead, placing them inside, and hanging the coffin by suspending it by nailing or tying

them on the cliff. (Dilger M., Rizon, H., BBC., 2018). That is not all though, the process is

not just about burying them but included in the process is the decomposition belief state

of the body. When a person dies, they prepare the coffin by putting the name of the

deceased on the side of it. Next, they prepare the remains by placing the body in a “death

chair” and placing the body by tying it with leaves and vines and covering it with a blanket.

Then the rest of the relatives of the deceased ‘smoke’ the body for days to prevent it from

decomposing. (Macatulad, JB., 2021).

To add, when raising the coffin on the cliff it is said that letting the blood of the

dead, from the cadaver, sprinkle over you and your body will bring good fortune, success

and luck.

Now you may wonder why they do such belief or practice. Well, the Igorots

believed that doing such a custom will aid them in the next journey, which is the afterlife,

closer to the gods. We have no other thing to do than respect the custom as it's part of

their belief, values, and cultural heritage. (Asia Tours, 2023).

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B. Assessment of Heritage Merits

The Hanging Coffins of Sagada

Archaeological Potential or Importance

A CULTURAL HERITAGE THAT DATES WAY BACK

According to Myend's (2023) website, the people of Sagada, specifically the

Kankanaey people of the Igorot ethnic group, have been practicing a unique burial tradition

passed down through many generations for over 2,000 years. This kind of burial tradition

is often called a sky burial because of its unique way of hanging the coffins of the deceased

on the walls of a cave. Sky burial is also practiced by the extinct Bo people from Southern

China and the Trojan people of Sulawesi from Indonesia. The exact historical origin of this

burial tradition is still challenging to deduce, especially the exact age of the coffins. Still,

one thing that the researchers are sure about is that the hanging of coffins by the Igorots

has existed for hundreds of years—concluding that this tradition already exists before the

Spanish colonization.

Educational or Public Potential

DARK TOURISM AS A MOTIVATIONAL FACTOR

According to Fonseca et al. (2016), as cited by Fabros et al. (2023), cemetery

tourism became known to tourists interested in learning the historical characteristics of the

cemetery and the historical relevance of its locals. Moreover, as time passed, more

tourists became engrossed and intrigued by the idea of cemetery tourism, even though

cemeteries are known for their eerie and foreboding atmosphere. According to Tanas

(2008), as cited by Fabros et al. (2023), time is essential in cemetery tourism because

cemeteries with remarkable cultural and natural assets have excellent tourism prospects.

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According to Beever's (2022) website article, "Anti-gravity graveyard where full

coffins have been suspended on cliff for 2,000 years," published by Mirror, the tradition of

hanging the coffins of the deceased that has been kept alive for over 2,000 years by the

Igorots has become a great asset for attracting the tourists who tend to explore dark

tourism, wherein it also helped in boosting the local economy of Sagada. Tourists who

visit sites aligned with dark tourism tend to be more engrossed with the academic,

historical, and educational aspects of the tourist attraction or destination, unlike some

tourists who visit lighter tourist sites (Robinson, 2015, as cited by Fabros et al., 2023).

Tourists are motivated to travel to burial grounds, cemeteries, and graveyards because of

the site's exciting nature, which enables the tourists to get the attention of the academe.

Community, Commemorative or Social Value

THE BELIEFS OF THE IGOROT

According to Deere's (2021) website, the sky burial or hanging of coffins is

practiced by the Kankanaey group or Igorots because of the common belief that the tribe

wanted to be closer to the tribe's ancestors. Yet, there are still dominating factors that

could explain this unique burial tradition. One of which is that elderly Igorots feared the

idea of getting buried in the ground because it is not safe for the person's corpse as the

water would eventually seep into the soil, resulting in a quick, rotting corpse, according to

Soledad Belingom, a retired septuagenarian schoolteacher of the Igorot tribe. According

to Lucero's (2021) website, during the pre-colonial period, the elderly Igorots were afraid

of headhunters who would smuggle the heads of the Kankanaey tribe's people as a

Kalinga tribe's trophy. Furthermore, the locals believe that the most significant family

member's coffin will be placed higher than the others, and the higher the coffin, the closer

it is to heaven and the ancestral spirits.

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According to Saif's (2023) website article, "Hanging Coffins of Sagada: A journey

to honor the dead," published by The Financial Express, the burial tradition is still practiced

and kept alive by the Kankanaey because of its significance in the Igorots' culture as a

way to honor and respect the deceased of the group or tribe. This cultural heritage of the

Igorots is an integral part of the tribe's identity and a clear indication of the Igorots' strong

connection to the tribe's ancestors and the preservation of the tribe's traditions.

C. Defining Issues / Situational Analysis (SWOT)

Table 1. THE HANGING COFFINS OF SAGADA SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths Weaknesses

1. Preservation of Indigenous 1. Impact on Natural Resources

Cultural Practices 2. Limited Variety of Tourist Sites

2. Tourist Attraction Magnet 3. Insufficient Preservation Plan

3. Idyllic Location 4. Inadequate Marketing and

4. Symbolic Significance Advertisement Plan

Opportunities Threats

1. Conservation of the Hanging 1. Unstable coffins may collapse

Coffins 2. Landslides may occur

2. Continuation of rituals and beliefs

of the people of Sagada

3. The uniqueness attracts Tourist

with its ancient beliefs

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STRENGTHS

S1 PRESERVATION OF INDIGENOUS CULTURAL PRACTICES

The Hanging Coffins of Sagada is a unique burial practice that demonstrates the

community's dedication to preserving their indigenous culture. This distinction enhances

the site's attractiveness by providing visitors with an authentic and immersive experience

that promotes cultural understanding and appreciation.

S2 TOURIST ATTRACTION MAGNET

Because of their unique and unusual nature, the Hanging Coffins of Sagada act

as a major magnet for tourists. The presence of these hanging coffins not only captivates

visitors but also motivates them to explore the region, therefore benefiting the local

economy through tourism income.

S3 IDYLLIC LOCATION

The remote location of the Hanging Coffins, situated away from urban centers,

plays a vital role in its strength. This isolation protects the historical site from potential

damage and excessive population growth, ensuring its preservation and allowing visitors

to appreciate the natural surroundings while paying their respects to the deceased.

S4 SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE

For the community, the Hanging Coffins hold great symbolic importance,

representing the spiritual connection between the living and those who have passed away.

This symbolism strengthens the site by providing visitors with a meaningful and thought-

provoking experience, letting them reflect on the cycle of life and death, and fostering

reverence and appreciation for culture.

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WEAKNESSES

W1 IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES

The placement of coffins inside caves and hanging them in precarious positions

can potentially disrupt natural ecosystems, including cave formations and surrounding

flora and fauna. This weakness arises from the need to balance cultural practices with

environmental conservation, which requires a cautious approach to ensure the long-term

preservation of both the site and its natural surroundings.

W2 LIMITED VARIETY OF TOURIST SITES

While the unique placement of the hanging coffins is a significant attraction, the

lack of various tourist sites in the local region may limit the overall visitor experience and

potential duration of stay in the area. This weakness highlights the importance of providing

supplementary attractions or activities to increase the destination's appeal and encourage

visitors to stay longer.

W3 INSUFFICIENT PRESERVATION PLAN

The absence of a comprehensive and well-defined preservation plan poses a

weakness to the Hanging Coffins of Sagada. There is a risk of deterioration or damage to

the site over time if there is no clear plan for conservation activities, highlighting the need

for a planned preservation strategy that involves stakeholders, experts, and the local

community.

W4 INADEQUATE MARKETING AND ADVERTISEMENT PLAN

The lack of an effective marketing and advertising strategy limits Hanging Coffins'

exposure and recognition on a larger scale. This weakness implies the need for targeted

promotional activities to raise awareness, attract more tourists, and showcase the cultural

and historical significance of the place through various channels such as online platforms,

tourism publications, and collaborations with tourism firms.

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OPPORTUNITIES

O1 CONSERVATION OF HANGING COFFINS

The Hanging coffins of Sagada is one of the main reasons why tourist would visit

the province despite the long travel hours and zigzag roads that they will pass through.

These coffins have its own story to tell and the Sagada people have been practicing such

burials for over 2,000 years, and some of the coffins are well over a century old. To

conserve its history and giving the people of sagad the importance of their beliefs.

O2 CONTINUATION OF RITUALS AND BELIEFS OF THE PEOPLE OF SAGADA

This makes the place so sacred because of the people of Sagadas beliefs to such

rituals. It is rare because instead of being placed into the ground, the coffins are hung

either inside the caves or on the face of the cliffs, near the hanging coffins of their

ancestors. The coffins were hung because it was thought that the higher the dead were

buried, the more likely it was that their spirits would ascend to a higher nature in the

afterlife. Many of the coffin locations are inaccessible (and should be avoided out of

respect), but they may still be seen from a distance.

O3 UNIQUENESS ATTRACTS TOURISTS

Tourists are attracted to places that are ancient and different. This is one of the

benefits of the Hanging coffins, it can attract people from around the world by just standing

on its own.

THREATS

T1 UNSTABLE COFFINS MAY COLLAPSE

Coffins that are not stable or placed in properly may collapse and affect the other

coffins beneath them. Although people have been practicing this for many years, this

should be taught to the people of Sagada who are unaware on how to do it properly and

to always be careful in doing it.

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T2 LANDSLIDE MAY OCCUR

The coffins are located in caves and cliffs of Sagada. We cannot tell when can an

earthquake happen and this may affect the coffins to collapse as well.

D. Significance of the Conservation and Visitor Management Plan

The conservation of the Sagada hanging coffins is important for several reasons:

Cultural heritage preservation: The hanging coffins are a unique cultural

heritage of the Sagada people and their preservation ensures the survival of a traditional

practice that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Tourist attraction: The hanging coffins are a popular tourist attraction and their

conservation helps to maintain the tourism industry in Sagada, supporting the local

economy and providing opportunities for the community.

Environmental conservation: The conservation of the hanging coffins also

involves preserving the natural environment in which they are located. This helps to

maintain the biodiversity of the area and protect the cultural landscape.

Historical significance: The hanging coffins are a testament to a rich history and

way of life that is unique to the Sagada people. Their preservation helps to educate people

about this important aspect of their cultural heritage.

It ensures the preservation and protection of this unique cultural heritage site. It

outlines guidelines and policies for the management of visitors, ensuring their safety while

respecting the cultural significance of the site. This plan also involves the local community,

who play a crucial role in the preservation of the hanging coffins, as they have been the

custodians of this tradition for generations.

Through responsible tourism practices, this plan also promotes sustainable

tourism, which can be a source of income for the local community. By managing and

regulating the number of visitors, this plan helps to prevent overcrowding and damage to

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the site, while still allowing for visitors to appreciate the cultural significance of the hanging

coffins.

Overall, the Conservation & Visitor Management Plan of Sagada Hanging Coffins

is significant in maintaining the integrity of the site, promoting responsible tourism

practices, and ensuring the continuation of this unique cultural tradition for generations to

come. By following these guidelines, visitors can enjoy a unique and culturally significant

destination while retaining the site's authenticity and sustainability.

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References

Beever, S. (2022, August 28). Anti-gravity graveyard where full coffins have been suspended on

cliff for 2,000 years. Mirror. Retrieved from https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-

news/anti-gravity-graveyard-full-coffins-27782907

Deere, K. (2021, June 14). The hanging coffins of Sagada, Philippines. Rough Guides. Retrieved

from https://www.roughguides.com/article/hanging-coffins/

Dilger, M., Hizon, R. (2018). The Filipino Tribes that hangs itself from cliffs. Retrieved from

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20180405-the-filipino-tribe-that-hangs-its-dead-from-

cliffs

Fabros, M. G. M., Lopez, E. L. F., & Roma, M. N. (2023). Dark tourism in the Philippine context:

Indicators, motivations, and spectrum. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 7(1), 100452.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100452

Fonseca, A., Seabra, C., & Silva, C. (2016). Dark tourism concepts: Typologies and sites. Journal

of Tourism Research and Hospitality, S2–002. https://doi.org/10.4172/2324-0087.S2-002

Lucero, B. (2021, November 5). Hanging Coffins in Sagada: Guide and Experience. Lost &

Wonder. Retrieved from https://lostandwonder.com/hanging-coffins-in-sagada/

Macatulad, JB., (2023). The Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley, Sagada, Mountain Province.

Retrieved from https://www.willflyforfood.net/echo-valley-and-its-hanging-coffins-sagada-

mountain-province/

Mccharles, R. (2009) Hanging Coffins of Sagada. Retrieved from

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hanging-coffins-of-sagada (2nd ed)

Philippines: Hanging Coffins & Grave Dwellers. (2023). Myend. Retrieved from

https://myend.com/country/philippines/

Robinson, N. (2015). Dark tourism motivations: an investigation into the motivations of visitors to

sites associated with dark tourism (Doctoral dissertation, University of Salford).

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Saif, S. (2023, April 15). Hanging Coffins of Sagada: A journey to honour the dead. The Financial

Express. Retrieved from https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/lifestyle/culture/hanging-

coffins-of-sagada-a-journey-to-honour-the-dead

Tanaś, S. (2008). Przestrzeń turystyczna cmentarzy: wstęp do tanatoturystyki. Wydawnictwo

Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego.

Verghese, A., & Li, Z. (2020). The hanging coffins of Sagada. YouTube. YouTube. Retrieved June

6, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myEFOgmE1VI.

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