Who are the Aeta?
The Aeta (eye-ta) are one of the ethnic tribal groups in the Philippines. Alternatively called Agta, Atta, Ita, Ati, Negritos, or Pugut, they are a dark-skinned people with curly hair, big black eyes, and short statures. The Aeta are believed to be the descendants of the original settlers of the Philippines. Like the Spanish negrito, or “little black one,” the term Aeta (and its many variations) is often believed to be a reference to an Aeta’s skin color. Etymological research suggests that “Aeta” may come from the word it, which can be extended into itim or itom, meaning “black” in various Philippine languages. The word Pugut, meanwhile, means “forest spirit,” alluding to the Aeta’s lifestyle. The Aeta’s native religion is quite interesting. For example, they believe in a supreme being but also worship numerous deities who may or may not be under this supreme being’s direct command. Anthropologists also suggest that the Aeta are animists, praying to spirits of the trees, forest, and s
