The Impact of Three Decades of Archaeological Research in Batanes

Mary Jane Louise Bolunia* and Sherina Aggarao

Fieldwork in Batanes was initially undertaken by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) in 1994 when three researchers from the Archaeology and Geology Divisions visited the main island to verify reported massive columnar stones still in their upright positions. A year later, the identification not only of the columnar stones but the documentation of the castle-like stone fortifications and the boat-shaped burials were carried out by the NMP by bringing a whole team of technical staff. Reconnaissance, surveys and excavations resulted in the identification of habitation, burial and workshop sites including the idjangs or stone fortifications and the boat-shaped burials that have been found only on these islands. These 1990s archaeological activities of NMP were one of the first multi-site archaeological activities in the Islands, combining archaeological, geological, and ethnographic approaches with participation from cultural anthropologists from the University of the Philippines and local scholars from Batanes. In 2000s, the research agenda for Batanes was expanded, involving international researchers focusing on Austronesian expansion highlighting connection between Taiwan and the Philippines. At present, ongoing research has included the effect of Mt. Iraya eruption on the lives of Ivatans.