Seated Bulul with Ritual Offering Bowl

Description

An authentic traditional seated male bulul likely dating to the very early 20th century. The ritual bowl at the feet was used for ceremonial offerings during harvest festivals. Its demeanor is furtive and contemplative with right hand raised to the head having exposed teeth. Every authentic Bulul we've seen has had Beetle (insect) holes to one extent or another. This Bulul is no exception and has evidence of Beetle holes on the side of the base, the bottom of the base, the figure's back, to the top of the head and to the edge of the bowl. These Beetle holes are a distinct natural characteristic of the bulul seating over time in the granary. This bulul was no doubt used in countless harvest ceremonies and thus was an important and cherished object for its owner. It has acquired an encrusted patina from traditional use and libations. Bululs were inherited by the first child of a family and were held in high esteem. 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