Késheng ja waray batbat. The exhumation of human bones in an Ibaloi community

This film presents the Késheng ja waray batbat, a ritual performed for the exhumation of human bones by the Ibaloi of the Luzon cordillera (Benguet, Philippines). The film follows the practices of the Teres family after a man got sick and dreamt of his father playing gong. Jazil Tamang and Gliseria Magapin, two Ibaloi from Tocmo, recorded the ritual that lasted three days. They provide some comments to explain the many gestures, objects, words and symbols of the ritual. Pigs are killed, their meat, blood and their souls are used. Pigs appear as mediators, connecting the ke’daring, the spirits of the deceased to the living ones, allowing exchanges and a mutual support.