Datu is title given to the ruler/monarch of numerous indigenous peoples in the Philippines. While the title was used most extensively in pre-colonial or early Philippine history, Datus still exist today – primarily in Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan. 

Influenced by Hindu and Buddhist cultures, the Datus shared many customs of the nobles in other Southeast Asian countries. Datus were heavily adorned with gold and silk, and their greatness was proportionate to their wealth in slaves and material possessions. 

Illustrated on the left is a well known artefact, called the "Sacred Thread." It is a halter-like sash weighing approximately four kilograms of pure gold. On the left is an illustration of a golden sword hilt. Similar items have also been illustrated in the Boxer Codex, a manuscript written about Filipino ethnic groups at the time of their initial interactions with the Spanish.

Gold death masks were carefully and placed upon the corpse to cover the eyes and nose. The burial practice is based on the belief that covering the eyes, nose, and/or mouth, prevents evil spirits from entering the body.