The supernatural world of the Kankanay is complete with male and female god figures, as well as spirit-beings, who comprise a hierarchy of deities under one supreme entity called Kabunian, creator of all beings and living things in the world. Kabunian is mainly responsible for the welfare and general well-being of all those he created. He is looked upon as the supreme master who taught humans everything they need to know for life, such as making fire, the cultivation of rice, and marriage rituals. Desirous of a peaceful and plentiful life, the Kankanay utter the words "Itunin sang kabunayen" (Thank you, Kabunian) at every fortuitous turn of events. Next to Kabunian is a descending order of lesser gods and spirits. The male gods are Lumawig, Kabigat, Soyan, Okalan, and Balitok. The female gods are Moan, Daongen, Angtan, Bangan, Gatan, and Oboy. Their names are recited and invoked by the Kankanay in various rituals, so that they may intercede for people and facilitate the granting of favors needed or desired.
Part of Kankanay cosmology is the story of how the spirits dwelling on earth actually came from the descendants of two mortal beings, Lumawig and Bangan, who were the first creatures on earth. They were the survivors of a great deluge which occurred thousands of years ago, and which was caused by Kabunian, who commanded the waters of the seas to rise, until all the existing land was inundated. The only place untouched was a mountaintop where Lumawig and Bangan had sought refuge. After the flood subsided, Kabunian ordered the two to become husband and wife, so that the earth could be populated again. But Lumawig and Bangan refused, because they were brother and sister. They would only do so, they said, if the Supreme Being could make them laugh, and thus the two siblings were tricked into marrying each other. Lumawig and Bangan had four children in all. One was given the task of performing the cañao. This child's descendants became the Igorot. The second was assigned to weave cloth or abel, and became the ancestor of the Ilocano. The third was given the power of issuing commands, and his descendants became known as the "Merkanos." The fourth child was destined to become a spirit who would inhabit stones and trees, and became the ancestor of the malevolent spirits whom we know today as the tumungaw or mangmangkik.
The tumungaw or mangmangkik cause various illnesses, and are also responsible for typhoons, epidemics, and other calamities. Four spirits are feared the most: Insaking, Buduan, Kise-an, and Putitik. They inhabit the big heart-shaped stone on the mountain of Tenglawan. When displeased, these spirits cause stomachaches in human beings. Other minor gods and the ailments they bring include the following: liblibayan, spirits who cause pains in the abdomen; an-antipakao, spirits who create reddish spots all over the body; penten, spirits who cause accidental death; kakading, souls of the dead who cause colds, headaches, or fever; pinad-ing, invisible spirits usually in human form who protect people from typhoons and epidemics. The liblibayan and an-antipakao spirits live in sitios where there are people, while the penten inhabit the rivers, springs, and other water bodies.
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