The Aeta people are one of the indigenous groups of the Philippines, with a rich cultural heritage and a long history of inhabiting the archipelago. Believed to be the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines, the Aeta are characterized by their dark skin, kinky hair, and traditionally nomadic lifestyle. They are known for their expertise in weaving, herbal medicine, and traditional visual arts such as body scarification. Despite facing challenges such as displacement and marginalization, the Aeta continue to preserve their cultural identity and contribute to the diverse tapestry of indigenous cultures in the Philippines.
Language
Most Aeta communities have embraced the languages of their Austronesian Filipino neighbors, which have evolved into distinct languages over time. These languages, ranked by the number of speakers, include Mag-indi, Mag-antsi, Abellen, Ambala, and Mariveleño.