Binukot (Hiligaynon: confined, secluded or restricted) is a Filipino cultural practice that secludes a young person (usually a young woman) with the expectation that seclusion will result in a higher value placed on the individual by marital suitors in the future. The practice originated in the pre-Hispanic Philippines but continues to this day. It is mostly practiced by the Panay Bukidnon people, who keep women from the public eye beginning in childhood. Some may argue this practice constitutes child abuse.
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Etymology
Binukot, when used as an adjective, means "confined," "secluded," or "restricted." Its root, "binukot," is defined as “be blanketing, be swaddling oneself." This differs from bukotán, a verb that means “to blanket, swathe, swaddle," as is done to an infant or a sick person.
The Practice
Binukot is a pre-Hispanic practice in the Philippine archipelago that is still practiced among certain people. A tribe or community deems a boy or girl worthy of being secluded in order to protect them so they gain cultural prestige and are more appealing to high-class suitors. The chosen one is secluded, well-kept, pampered, treasured, and, to some level, revered.
A female Binukot is secluded by her parents at the age of three or four. The Binukot is not exposed to sun or allowed to work and is accompanied by her parents when she bathes. This practice results in a fair, frail, fine-complexioned, and long-haired woman. At home, her parents and grandparents entertain her with oral lore and traditional dances. This traditional entertainment can make a Binukot a proficient chanter and knowledgeable in oral history.
Traditionally, a female Binukot must not be seen by any man from childhood until puberty. Only family members and female servants, called apid, may come face-to-face with her. She often bathes in the evening in order to keep her away from men’s eyes, as well as to shield her from the sun. A makeshift enclosure may also be made for her to bathe in the river for the same purpose. Men can be punished by death if they look at a female Binukot without authorization.
The Binukot is not allowed to do heavy work but may weave in her room. She is provided with female servants to do other work for her.
When a Binukot is ready for marriage, often at age 13 or 14 or younger, her parents ask for a high pangayu (Hiligaynon: bride price or dowry) from the family of the suitor. A Binukot with high pangayu often brings prestige to a family. Even when a suitor visits a Binukot, the parents of the Binukot entertain the suitor and she is kept inside her room—but she can show the tip of her fingernail.
A male Binukot, also called Pangantohan, is chosen for his comeliness and should be revered by a community for his beauty. The purpose of his seclusion is to prepare him to be a "trophy" husband or tribute to the kinalakihan (Amazon-like) Anakbanwa (nobles) of Pangasinan, e.g. Urduja. Like the female Binukot, he will be well-kept and provided for; he will not be allowed to hold weapons, do any hard labor, or to work in the fields. His hair will grow long and he will be provided hand-maidens and servants. To enhance the development of fair skin, he will not be exposed to the sun. His servants will apply Pearl powder all over his face and body. He will also be fed pearl powder, which is believed by certain communities to produce fair and luminous skin.
Image of a Binukot
Binukotan (plural for binukot) are described in epics and tales using metaphors such as "visage of the sun," "appeared like the sun," "shone like a star," "pale as the moon," and "incomparably beautiful," which suggests that the Binukot is a standard of aesthetic beauty.
A female Binukot is said to be the most beautiful maiden in her community. She has a fair to white complexion and dresses in ankle length skirts and long-sleeved blouses that appear to be richly embroidered (Panubok) at the collar, cuffs, and hem.
A Pangantohan is the fairest bachelor in the community, and in the tribe. He has fair skin with clothes similar to those of a datu but often white, and he wears his long dark hair loose.
The Binukot of Panay-Bukidnon wears jewelry made from Spanish coins that are strung together and called biningkit. A waistband of coins is called a wakus, and a headdress of coins is known as a pundong.