datu
Quick Summary
The datu was a chieftain who led a barangay, which was an early Filipino settlement consisting of extended kinship groups. These groups typically comprised no more than a few hundred individuals and were the largest stable economic and political units. The datu and their families formed the nobility within the barangay's social structure, which also included freeholders and dependents. This system was present before the arrival of the Spanish, who later adapted the barangay as their basic unit of local administration. The term datu is also used in parts of Malaysia.1234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
PhilippinesPre-Spanish history…under the leadership of a datu, or chieftain. The barangay, which ordinarily numbered no more than a few hundred individuals, was usually the largest stable economic and political unit.
Read More…under the leadership of a datu, or chieftain. The barangay, which ordinarily numbered no more than a few hundred individuals, was usually the largest stable economic and political unit.
Read More
PhilippinesThe Spanish periodNevertheless, the datu’s once hereditary position became subject to Spanish appointment.
Read MoreNevertheless, the datu’s once hereditary position became subject to Spanish appointment.
Read More