The making of the Igorot

The Making of the Igorot was published in 2005 by the Ateneo de Manila University Press as a scholarly examination of the social and political construction of Igorot identity in the Philippine Cordillera. Author Gerard A. Finin conducted extensive research to trace how colonial administrators, anthropologists, and local elites influenced the perception of this indigenous group throughout the twentieth century. The work is widely recognized for its critical approach to the historical narratives that have shaped regional identity and its focus on the intersection of state power and cultural representation.

The design and conceptual framework of the book reflect a rigorous academic standard, characteristic of publications from the Ateneo de Manila University Press, which is known for its focus on Philippine history and social studies. By meticulously documenting archival sources and field observations, Finin aimed to deconstruct romanticized or monolithic depictions of the Igorot people. The resulting text has been well-received within academic circles for its contribution to Southeast Asian studies and its insightful analysis of how ethnic categorization serves political ends.