Philippines, Kankanay or Bontoc-carved wooden house God figure (Galgalawa-en) made of solid Narra hardwood, circa 1st Quarter of 20th Century. This wooden house-god figure, known as Galgalawa-en, hails from the Bontoc or Kakanay people of Northern Luzon, the Philippines. It is dating back to the 1st quarter of the 20th century. Crafted from a single piece of tropical hardwood, this male figure sits on a rounded platform with arms crossed, evoking a possible mortuary stance. His facial features are striking, with prominent eyes, an aquiline nose, reflecting the distinctive "Tinaguiing" style. Size 24" H x 7" L x 6 1/4" W

Traditionally, such figures were intricately carved during the construction of a new house. They held significant ceremonial importance, placed near the hearth when a new fire was kindled for cooking. Subsequently, they served as protective house-god figures, safeguarding domestic activities and ensuring the well-being of the household. While bearing similarities to the Bulul figures of the nearby Ifugao, these Galgalawa-en figures boast unique patinas. Its believed they were regularly anointed with a mixture of cooking fat and charcoal from the hearth, a ritual that imbued them with distinctive visual characteristics over time. This differentiation in patina distinguishes them from the Bulul figures, which acquire encrusted patinas through offerings of animal blood.

Deaccessioned from an Important Philippine Private Museum