Paklikban

Paklikban is a term that appears in historical and ethnographic literature relating to certain indigenous communities in the Philippines, particularly among the Ifugao people of the Cordillera Administrative Region. It is generally understood to refer to a specific type of ritual or ceremonial practice. The precise nature and function of paklikban can vary somewhat depending on the specific sub-group or locality within Ifugao society.

While detailed descriptions are limited in widely accessible sources, paklikban often involves a communal gathering and may be associated with significant events such as agricultural cycles, healing, or appeasing spiritual forces. It is characterized by specific chants, prayers, and offerings, and is typically conducted by designated elders or ritual specialists. The underlying purpose is often to ensure the well-being of the community, maintain harmony with the environment and the spirit world, and seek blessings for prosperity and health. Understanding paklikban requires an appreciation of the broader cultural and spiritual worldview of the Ifugao people.