wood, shiny brown patina, remains of black paint, hammer-shaped head widely projecting to the front, provided with flat chin, large projecting ears and incised diamond-shaped eyes, rising from bulky cylindrical base, slightly dam., cracks (head, base), breakage (right thigh), abrasion of paint, base;
informants predominantly held the view that "bulul" protects the rice against thieves and vermin, causes the rice to multiply, and prevents famine. Most "bulul" were created in connection with elevation in rank to the status of the elite called "kadangyan". Some "bulul" were created in commemoration of the marriage union of a couple belonging to the elite "kadangyan". Other "bulul" were produced to cure illnesses, specifically bone diseases and muscle disorders. The carving of a "bulul" in itself involves an elaborate process. Festivities mark every stage, from the selection of the tree, cutting it down, arriving with the wood, and the first carving activities. Several carvers work to complete the figure. A "mumbaki" recites the myth of the origin of the "bulul", and during this chant the "bulul" spirit in the myth is transferred to the figure, along with its powers and benefits. The "bulul" is then bathed in blood from sacrificed pigs. The entire progression takes about six weeks to complete.
H: 37 cm, H: 14,6 inch
Provenance:
Baudouin de Grunne, Wezembeek-Oppem, Belgium
Dominique de Grunne, London, England (1970)
Pierre Langlois, Paris, France
Sotheby's, Paris, 3 Décembre 2004, lot 28
Rive Gauche, Paris, 18 Novembre 2013, lot 34
Yves Créhalet, Paris, France
Lit.: Anderson, Eric Moltzau, In the shape of tradition, Leiden 2010, p. 100 f.
Continent: Asia

See description