Philippine Ifugao Seated Male Bulul w/ Inset Shell Eyes, N. Luzon

Description

This seated male Bulul has strong features with inset shell eyes evoking a powerful presence! It has a heavily encrusted sacrificial surface patina which is varied in thickness and color. There is a separation in the wood on the left arm as well as the left leg. According to "People and Art of the Philippines" Copyright 1981, At harvest ceremonies held at the house of the rice field's owner, bulul deities, along with many other deities are invoked by the priests, urged to join in the festivities, and asked to make the rice continue to grow as it had grown in the fields. During these ceremonies carved bulul, jars of rice wine, and ritual boxes are placed alongside the presiding priests and the figures are bathed with the blood of a sacrificed pig. Before being placed in the granary the rice is allowed to dry, and bulul are in attendance during the period prior to this action.

Origin: N. Luzon, Ifugao People