Hanging Coffins of Sagada, Ancient burial site in Sagada, Philippines.
The Hanging Coffins of Sagada is a burial site featuring around 200 wooden coffins attached to a limestone cliff face at varying heights. These coffins are secured with ropes and wires, creating a remarkable display of this ancient burial practice.
This burial practice spans more than 2000 years and was established long before Spanish colonization reached the region. The Igorot people continued this tradition as a way to honor their dead through this distinctive method.
The placement of coffins at different heights reflects the social standing of the deceased within Igorot communities. This practice showed how the living honored their departed and their place in society.
The site is reached from Manila by a long bus journey, with travel times extending during the rainy season when roads may be difficult. Visitors should wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes, as the mountain location and climate require appropriate footwear.
Each coffin is designed to hold the body in a fetal position, reflecting a belief about leaving life the same way one enters it. This symbolic form of burial shows a deep philosophical connection between birth and death.
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