Ifugao Bulul Figures: Guardians of Rice Granaries

A pair of Ifugao Bulul figures, Ifugao people of Northern Luzon,…
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A pair of Ifugao Bulul figures, Ifugao people of Northern Luzon, Philippines; 'Bulul' are guardians of rice granaries, and are very important in Ifugao society, where rice is the staple crop. The Ifugao believe that 'Bululs' are responsible for plentiful harvests of rice, and that the deities can also miraculously increase the amount of rice available. Making 'Bulul' sculptures is a long and complex process, these figures are traditionally made in pairs - one male and one female. Upon completion of the carving, the 'Bulul' figures are installed in a rice granary. A number of ceremonies accompany the placement, including putting blood on the figures. The lumpy coating on this figure is evidence of these rituals. Provenance: Ex. Rudolf Kratochwill collection, Austria. 39 cm, 40 cm

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