RESEARCH DATA:

A large anthropomorphic bu'lul statue with crossed arms, originating from the Ifugao province. The bu’lul shows considerable signs of ritual usage and a partially eroded patina. Anderson et.al (2010) noted that this design may have been inspired from Taguiling, a well-known master carver in Ifugao. An anthropomorphic figure is carved from the wood of the narra tree, which is linked to wealth in the Ifugao traditional society. After the carving is done, a rite involves the chanting of the story of Humidhid, the deity who created the first bu’lul. The ritual specialists would consecrate it with pig’s blood through a tradition called tunod, hands dipped in the blood of a pig or chicken touch the bu’lul during rice planting season. Over time the blood imparts a dark patina to the bu’lul. After the rituals, the bu’lul will stay in the commissioner's house for a while before it is placed on the rice granary to ward off evil spirits and safeguard the rice harvest.