ANTIQUE SEATED BULUL FIGURE
Origin:
Period/Date: At least Early 20th century, likely 19th Century
Materials: Very Hardwood
Dimensions: Height 17.25" (44 cm), Width 4" (10 cm)
Description: This seated female "bulul" (rice god) with crossed arms, has a muted, yet very expressive face. It has a dry ancient surface which I've studied carefully. I'm convinced it is quite early. There are old Beetle holes on the bottom of the base and also on the top of the forearms. These are a good sign as 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. There are some very old separations in the wood at the arms and left leg but integrity is rock solid.
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.
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