The Ifugao hagabi represents a position of influence, a seat (literally) of power, and a symbol of status. These traditional wood benches feature intricate designs carved upon at the beginning of the hagabi feast organized for the cadangyan or the wealthy class.
These benches are a symbol of wealth, power and prestige and as a symbol of the “hagabi feast.” At the beginning of the feast, the bench is carved at different parts, each with their important symbolisms accorded by their culture.
The bench is reclined, and stylized with animal heads at both ends. It is usually placed under the eaves or in the stone paved yards under the stilted traditional house of the Ifugao.
The hagabi was originally called the guinulgulding, or ‘goat-like,’ because of the use of the goat’s head as a design on both ends. Later, it was called ngiwit with its two ends resembling the head of an animal with a long snout and two big ears.
The story of this furniture can also be attributed to a local story about two Ifugao brothers, Anniyan and Boyagon, who lived in Camanding, a sitio of Bario Antipolo, Kiangan, Ifugao. They had two pet fishes which they caught from the Camanding river.
References:
Baguilat, Raymundo . 1958. “The Ifugao “Hagabi””. Folklore Studies Vol. 17 (1958), pp. 207-209. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1177387
“Upuan Etymology”. Oral Traditions and Expressions, Including Language. https://www.unesco-ichcap.org/kor/ek/sub3/pdf_file/domain1/008_Upuan_Etymology.pdf