HomeNRCP Research Journalvol. 24 no. 1 (2025)

Ilang Tala Ukol Sa Butò Sa Mga Vocabularios Noong Dantaon 17 Hanggang 19

Axle Christien J. Tugano

Discipline: Asian Studies

 

Abstract:

For the ancient Filipinos, there is a clear conjunction between diwa (spirit) and katawan (body) or embodied spirit (diwang sumasakatawan), where butò (penis) and púki (vagina) belong and/or not separated in essence as part of the body and “the Filipino humanness.” But when it comes to some crises and transitions, especially during the Spanish colonial period, they changed the rich notion of the Filipino’s concept of the body. What used to be the symbol of fertility, pleasure, and egalitarianistic society became equated with an image of “lust” and “carnal.” This article sheds light on the retrospective definition of butò and some meanings given as provided by the published vocabularios from the 17th to 19th centuries. From the words gathered by the Spaniards regarding butò, this study noted the (1) compiled nomenclatures; (2) direct and relative parts; and (3) actions involving butò. This study demonstrated how the definition of butò “changed” and given “notions of coloniality” which effects remained prevalent in the present Filipino society.



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