A Native Tribe In The Philippines Carves Bikes From Wood And The Result Is So Cool

Dec 26, 2018 by apost team

A tribe native to the Philippines known as the Igolot has drawn the attention of the world with their ability to carve items from wood. Their name means 'mountain people' in their native tongue of Tagalog and was given to them in the 16th century by invaders from Spain. The irony of the name was that it was meant to be derogatory for an uncivilized people who were said to be unable to positively contribute to modern society.

The Igolot is presently gaining attention for their ability to carve bicycles from trees. The ability to do so has been passed on as a tradition through multiple generations of the tribe and the world is a better place for it. 

The bicycles each represent the style and artistic nature of its owner and is made completely from the carved tree. The vehicles are all two-wheeled and have been carved in images like horses, dragons, and lions.

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The bikes can reach speeds up to 25 MPH and are a little tricky to ride since they do not possess advanced braking systems. The bikes are slowed when the rider presses down on a wooden petal that is connected to a piece of tire. The friction slows the bicycle down until the rider can use his feet. 

The riders do not use any type of gear to protect their head or any other part of their bodies. It is a tribal event for drivers to show-off their bicycles to other tribe members and riders often don festive gear before riding as a group. Richard Haw is the photographer that caught the ride of a group of Ingolot one day and took the photos in the article.

Haw has lived in the area for some time and is familiar with the culture. He says he does not believe the wooden bicycles have been the cause of many fatalities but notes there are many deep scars on the legs of the riders. Haw explains there are often races through towns on the bicycles and the cycles are a great source of pride for owners. Igolot tribal traditions profess the gods to inhabit the mountains and trees of nature. This fact will not surprise anyone that has witnessed an Igolot with his hand-carved bicycle.

What do you think of the ingenuity of the Igolot people? Send this article and photos to friends. They will find the images hard to believe.