STANDING FEMALE BULUL, BEYER FAMILY COLLECTION

Origin: Philippines, N. Luzon, Ifugao People, Hapao area   (Provenance:  Beyer family collection.  By descent through the family.  Acquired from Dr. Henry Otley Beyer's Granddaughter.  Dr. Beyer has been recognized as "The Father of Philippine Anthropology".)

Period/Date:   Late 19th C.- Early 20th c.

Materials:  Hardwood "narra", libations, white lime

Description:  According to the Beyer family this "bulu" rice God comes form the Hapao area, yet it shares some of its facial characteristics with the "Bunney" carving traditions.  This standing female with muscular legs features arms carved away from the body creating negative space.  Its surface has a semi-encrusted blacked patina with traces of white lime or salt residue.  It has four old labels, three on the base and one on the back, but the only legible one is is the paper label on the back numbered 496.  Note the delicate pierced ears which would have received inserted stalks of rice during harvest ceremonies.  Another nuance are two small raised nodules on the top of the head.  They are well patinated but I'm not sure what function they had nor have I determined if they are wood or resin?   In good condition with some normal age cracks.

Dimensions:   Height 19.75"  (50 cm), Width 5.5"  (14 cm)

Price: SOLD