Southeast Asia, Philippines, Luzon island, Ifugao culture, ca. early 20th century. A fantastic hand-carved wooden male deity figure known as bulul (also bul-ul or tinagtaggu). He squats on an integral pedestal with his legs drawn up to his body, and his hands resting on his knees. The shoulders are slightly hunched forward, and the visage is simple with a pursed mouth, protruding nose and ears, and circular incised eyes, altogether giving him a very attentive appearance. The surface of the wood is polished with a smooth patina. Bulul are highly stylized ancestral effigies that are meant to spiritually guard important crops like rice. Size: 5.5" L x 4.5" W x 9.75" H (14 cm x 11.4 cm x 24.8 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Dr. Gallagher collection, Sydney, Australia 1960 to 2000

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#161606

Stable fissures across base, body, and head. Minor chips and abrasions to high-pointed areas. Silky, smooth patina on head!