Pair of Early 20th C. Philippine Ifugao Bululs, N. Luzon

Description

A pair of nicely carved turn-of-the-century seated bulul figures. They are carved in a style of realism like that of "Tagiling" the accomplished Ifugao carver. Bululs were inherited by the first child of a family and were held in high esteem. They feature very distinctive flaring ears. There are two dug out impressions to the upper ear while the bottom lobe is traditionally pierced where rice stalks were inserted. They are carved of hard "Narra" wood and have a semi-encrusted sacrificial patina from being used in numerous harvest ceremonies. This pair lacks anatomical detail which is common on many Ifugao works. The male on the left is pierced through the buttocks.

Origin: N. Luzon, Ifugao People