Research Methodology: Documenting the Manobo Matigsalug Ancestral Domain Claim

Abstract

In documenting indigenous ancestral domain claims, this paper stresses that research methodology, because of time constraints, is highly focused on three main items of culture: genealogy to be able to establish the historical time depth; extent ofphysical occupancy, stories of names ofplaces and the list of tribal leaders as a tool to determine the horizontal expanse of the indigen0ss territory; and indigenous custom on land acquisition and use to determine the indigenous mode
of land acquisition. Basic skills are not confined o research abilities; they include as well the researcher 's inner and outer disposition.