Agriculture and Food Production:
* Rice Farming: The foundation of their diet was rice, cultivated using the kaingin system (slash and burn) and later, irrigation.
* Gardening: Filipinos were skilled gardeners, growing a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and root crops like taro, yams, and sweet potatoes.
* Fishing and Gathering: Coastal communities relied on fishing, using different methods like handlines, nets, and traps. They also gathered shellfish, seaweeds, and other marine resources.
* Hunting: Hunting for wild animals was a part of life, with various traps and weapons used for catching deer, wild pigs, and birds.
Crafts and Trade:
* Weaving: Filipinos were skilled weavers, using natural fibers like cotton, abaca, and bamboo to create textiles for clothing, baskets, and mats.
* Pottery: Pottery was essential for storing and cooking food, with unique styles and techniques developed in different regions.
* Metalworking: Filipinos had mastered the art of smelting and working with metals like gold, silver, bronze, and iron. They crafted jewelry, weapons, and tools.
* Woodworking: They were adept at woodworking, creating houses, boats, furniture, and musical instruments.
* Trade: Trading played a vital role in their economy, with different communities exchanging goods like rice, fish, pottery, and metalwork.
Other Livelihoods:
* Forest Resources: Filipinos relied on forests for timber, firewood, and other resources.
* Salt Production: Salt was an essential commodity, and early Filipinos developed methods for extracting salt from seawater.
* Mining: Some communities engaged in mining for gold, copper, and iron.
* Religious Practices: Rituals and ceremonies were often intertwined with livelihood practices, with beliefs surrounding nature and spirits.
Important Note: The exact livelihoods varied depending on the specific region, environment, and community. However, these key aspects highlight the diversity and resilience of early Filipino livelihoods.
It is important to remember that these were not isolated practices. The early Filipinos were closely connected to their environment, with a deep understanding of the land and sea. Their livelihoods were sustainable and often based on mutual respect for nature and its resources.