Bulul, Rice Guardian
Ifugao, Philippines
19th c.
Provenance: Old American collection
With its powerful tilting torso; tense legs and elongated arms; this “Rice god” is an archaic example. The term “archaic”, is an aesthetic characterized by abstraction and reduction of the human form to the bare minimum. The “archaic” style is often attributed to the “early period” vaguely referring to that period prior to the shift to “realism” as exemplified by the works of Tagiling and other carvers of the early 20th century. The face on the present example is highly emotive and haunting; in addition, the thick layered sacrificial surface enhances its powerful presence. The patina comes from countless libations made throughout the decades. Carved from hardwood, in excellent condition.
Bulul, Rice Guardian
Ifugao, Philippines
19th c.
Provenance: Old American collection
With its powerful tilting torso; tense legs and elongated arms; this “Rice god” is an archaic example. The term “archaic”, is an aesthetic characterized by abstraction and reduction of the human form to the bare minimum. The “archaic” style is often attributed to the “early period” vaguely referring to that period prior to the shift to “realism” as exemplified by the works of Tagiling and other carvers of the early 20th century. The face on the present example is highly emotive and haunting; in addition, the thick layered sacrificial surface enhances its powerful presence. The patina comes from countless libations made throughout the decades. Carved from hardwood, in excellent condition.