1. Lineage and Ancestry:
* Datu: The highest ranking individual in a barangay. They were typically the head of a clan and held political and military power.
* Maharlika: The warrior class, often belonging to noble families, serving as advisors and protectors of the datu.
* Timawa: Free commoners who owned land and were independent. They could also be warriors and had some degree of political influence.
* Alipin: This category was further subdivided into:
* Alipin sa gilid: Those who served their masters in exchange for a plot of land and other benefits, essentially tenants or sharecroppers.
* Alipin sa bahay: Those who lived with their masters and served them in domestic tasks.
2. Economic Status:
* Land Ownership: Access to land was a significant determinant of wealth and influence.
* Trade and Commerce: Skilled artisans, traders, and merchants also held a degree of social prestige.
3. Religious Influence:
* Babaylan: Female spiritual leaders who played a significant role in religious ceremonies and had social influence, particularly in healing and prophecy.
* Katalonan: Male religious leaders, often serving as advisors and mediators.
Important Considerations:
* Fluidity: The social structure wasn't entirely static. Individuals could move between social strata through marriage, bravery in war, or accumulation of wealth.
* Decentralized Power: The barangay system was decentralized, and each barangay had its own datu and social hierarchy.
* Shared Values: Despite these distinctions, pre-colonial Filipino society emphasized communal values of cooperation, kinship, and respect for elders.
In summary:
While not rigid social classes, there were clear distinctions in status and influence in pre-colonial Filipino society. These were based on lineage, economic standing, and religious roles. It's important to avoid imposing modern Western concepts of class onto a society with a different cultural context.