In his 1905 study "The Bontoc Igorot," anthropologist Albert Ernest Jenks documented unique foot conditions among the Bontoc people, reflecting the physical demands of their environment. Living in the mountainous areas of Northern Luzon, the Bontoc people experience specific foot adaptations due to daily activities like navigating steep, uneven trails and working in wet rice paddies. This article explores Jenks' observations on foot abnormalities and how they connect to Bontoc culture and lifestyle.
Fa'-wing: Inward-Turning Great Toe
One of the most striking foot conditions Jenks documented is known as "fa'-wing," where the great toe turns inward. Approximately 20% of Bontoc adults show this condition, with toes turning in at angles up to 45 degrees. The term fa'-wing describes a range of toe angles, from mild inward curves to more pronounced bends. This condition affects both men and women, as well as some children. Jenks observed it in an 8- or 9-year-old boy in Ambuklao, Benguet, whose great toes were already spreading significantly, indicating that fa'-wing might develop early.
The Bontoc people believe fa'-wing results from mountain climbing, and this aligns with Jenks' observations. The great toe acts like a grip or "claw" to secure footing on the steep, slippery trails common during the rainy season. This adaptation is critical for balance and stability on rugged paths, suggesting that the shape of the foot changes over time to accommodate the physical needs of daily mountain life.
Enlarged Basal Joint of the Great Toe
Another condition Jenks noted is the enlargement of the basal joint of the great toe, resembling a bunion. Jenks speculated that these enlargements could be caused by frequent bruises from rocks, a common occurrence when walking barefoot on rough terrain. These stone bruises can cause enough pain to keep a person from walking for up to ten days, highlighting how foot health directly affects daily life for the Bontoc people.
This bunion-like condition, along with fa'-wing, underscores the physical toll of moving across rocky paths regularly. The rough, uneven ground likely contributes to the development of these foot conditions, showing how terrain influences physical adaptations.
Rice-Paddy Feet or Fung-as': Effects of Working in Waterlogged Fields
In addition to mountain climbing, working in rice paddies presents unique challenges. A condition known locally as "fung-as'" or "rice-paddy feet" is common among Bontoc farmers. Prolonged exposure to water leaves the soles dry, cracked, and seamed, making it difficult to walk comfortably on trails. This soreness sometimes limits mobility for extended periods, especially when the skin becomes severely cracked.
Fung-as' reveals how continuous work in waterlogged fields impacts the feet. The need to be barefoot in these wet, muddy environments hardens and cracks the skin, leading to conditions that are both painful and limiting. This adaptation reflects the impact of agricultural practices on health, as well as the community's resilience in managing these physical challenges.
Environmental Influence and Physical Adaptation
Albert Ernest Jenks' work provides insight into how environmental and cultural factors shape the physical characteristics of the Bontoc people. Foot conditions like fa'-wing, bunions, and fung-as' show a direct link between daily activities and physical adaptation. For the Bontoc, mountain climbing and farming without footwear have led to unique foot structures and conditions suited to their environment. These traits highlight the connection between lifestyle and physical adaptation, revealing the impact of daily routines on health and well-being.
Understanding the Relationship Between Lifestyle and Adaptation
Jenks' documentation of foot conditions among the Bontoc people offers a perspective on how traditional practices influence physical development. The observations on fa'-wing, bunions, and rice-paddy feet reveal how cultural and environmental factors shape the body's response to everyday activities. By examining these physical characteristics, we gain a deeper understanding of how lifestyle and environment work together to influence the human form, especially in communities where living conditions require continuous interaction with the land.
