Hoax Allegations

Recontact in 1986

1986 - ABC's Tom Jarriel meets the Tasaday

After April 1973, Manuel Elizalde'd helicopter did not return to the caves. Elizalde was concerned about the impact on the Tasaday and he was engaged in other projects. When the Marcos regime fell in 1986, Oswalt Iten visited the Tasaday in Mindanao. He saw a very different people than were portrayed in the early 1970s. The story was told by ABC 20/20 in a program August 16, 1986.

Tasaday at helicopter landing site, 1972. Photograph copyright by John Nance, used with permission.

In viewing the ABC 20/20 program, pay particular attention to the greeting between Tom Jarriel and the Tasaday. Jarriel asks a number of questions. Look at how Jarriel frames his questions.

How do the Tasaday express their identity?
"Were you born in the caves?"
"What languages do you speak?"
"Were your parents Tasaday?"
"Did you have contact with other people before Dafal?"
Why did you take off your clothes?"

Issues about Tasaday Authenticity

Who actually benefits from their reserve?

Who benefits from their protection?

Is the amount of change in their culture plausible?

How long were the Tasaday isolated from outside peoples?

Is isolation even possible?

How unique is their language?

How plausible is their Stone Age technology

How accurate are the scientific studies and sources of data about the Tasaday

Why was Elizalde helping them?

Why did Elizalde do so much gatekeeping?

Why did he let more notables visit than scientists?

Why did Elizalde abandon visiting the Tasaday?

Why do the Tasaday dress differently for various visitors?

Are the terms "Stone Age" and "Cave People" appropriately applied? Why were these terms used?

Do the data have inconsistencies?

Were overstatements made? Were inaccuracies reported?

Is too much emphasis placed on interpreting what is "said?" Should more attention be given to demeanor and body language?
To Tasaday Topics

Updated:Tuesday, 19-Feb-2013 20:44:27 PST
Court Smith, Oregon State University

Recontact in 1986

1986 - ABC's Tom Jarriel meets the Tasaday

Issues about Tasaday Authenticity

Updated:Tuesday, 19-Feb-2013 20:44:27 PSTCourt Smith, Oregon State University

Updated:Tuesday, 19-Feb-2013 20:44:27 PST
Court Smith, Oregon State University