Bulul Couple

Ifugao, North Luzon, Philippines
19th-early 20th c

Provenance: Joel Greene collection, San Francisco. Important private collection, New York

Bulul figures are an important part of Ifugao culture, an indigenous group from the northern Philippines. These wooden figures are carved in the image of an ancestral spirit couple and are believed to possess supernatural powers. They are typically used in agricultural rituals, such as the “hagabi” ceremony, which is performed to ensure a bountiful harvest. The pair of Bulul figures being offered are in a seated position and have a thick and encrusted sacrificial patina. This patina is a result of years of use in ceremonies and rituals, during which offerings of food, drinks and other items were made to the figures. The patina is not only a sign of the figures’ age and cultural significance, but also a testament to the deep spiritual connection that the Ifugao people have with their ancestors and their land. The figures are usually kept in the granaries, which are considered sacred spaces. They are also used in other rituals such as weddings and funerals.

Heights: Male 16 in / 40.6 cm