Social Hierarchy of the Kankanaey People

Kadangyan Komidwa Kodo

Kadangyan (Aristocrats)

Basis: The Kadangyan are the noble elite, inheriting wealth from ancestral lands and gold mines. Their leadership spans governance, economy, and ritual life within the Kankanaey communities.

Roles: They host cañaos—grand feasts of unity and thanksgiving—showcasing generosity and leadership. They mediate conflicts and guide communities even during colonial transitions.

Characteristics: Respected, wealthy, and wise, they preserve heritage through rituals, oral history, and heirloom crafts.

Komidwa (Middle Class)

Basis: Komidwa own small farmlands or livestock, balancing work and stability. They represent the productive and artistic heart of Kankanaey society.

Roles: They cultivate rice terraces, weave traditional cloths, and engage in trade. They participate in feasts and help maintain social and economic balance.

Kodo (Commoners or Poor)

Basis: The Kodo form the foundation of society, working as farmers, miners, or laborers. They rely on collective support and community solidarity.

Roles: Their labor sustains the economy—from tending terraces to supporting rituals and communal work like bayanihan.

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