Skip to main content »
Igorotage

Ifugao Bulul Statue Sold for a Record-breaking P36.1-M in a Paris Auction

A "bulul" or carved wooden figure from Ifugao was sold for a record-breaking 630,000 euros or about P36.1 million at an auction in Paris, France.

 |  3 min read

A "bulul" or carved wooden figure from Ifugao was sold for 630,000 euros or about P36.1 million at an auction in Paris, France.

A "bulul" or carved wooden figure from Ifugao was bought for a record-breaking 630,000 euros or about P36.1 million at a French auction last Friday (Philippines time).

The "bulul", initially estimated between 200,000 to 300,000 euros (P11.4 million to P17.2 million), was among the items auctioned from the collection of Béatrice and Patrick Caput, at an event in Paris hosted by Christie's, the world-renowned art and luxury business founded in 1766.

A "bulul" or carved wooden figure from Ifugao was sold for 630,000 euros or about P36.1 million at an auction in Paris, France.

The provenance, or its history of ownership or origin, is one of the factors that determine the value of an item at auctions; this is the reason for the high price of said "bulul".

According to Christie's listing, the earliest known owner of the bulul in 1918 was William Gabuk Beyer. He is the son of Henrey Otley Beyer, who has been called the "Father of Philippine Anthropology."

A "bulul" or carved wooden figure from Ifugao was sold for 630,000 euros or about P36.1 million at an auction in Paris, France.

The bulul was then obtained by Alain Schoffel in Paris in 1970, and then by Béatrice and Patrick Caput also in the French capital in 1989.

Christie's appraisal of the bulul describes it as "a masterpiece of Ifugao art" that "dazzles by the universality of its form."

A "bulul" or carved wooden figure from Ifugao was sold for 630,000 euros or about P36.1 million at an auction in Paris, France.

"Thanks to its purified aspect, we can see as many possible links with the great statuary of the past as with that of the present. Notably, thanks to its intrinsic geometry, it is possible to evoke a kinship with some of the oldest anthropomorphic representations, such as certain plastic creations of the Neolithic or Cycladic art. At the same time, by reducing and simplifying the anthropomorphic representation as much as possible, the artist has created an abstract interpretation of the human figure, giving it a powerful serenity. In the case of this formidable sculpture, it is its great plastic quality and in particular its formal ambiguity - its archaism and its modernity - that convey an indisputable timelessness," it said.

A "bulul" or carved wooden figure from Ifugao was sold for 630,000 euros or about P36.1 million at an auction in Paris, France.

The Bulul is an Ifugao anthropomorphic carving that symbolizes an Ifugao rice god or guardian spirits. It also signifies fertility and is sometimes believed to house the spirits of ancestors.

Although bululs are now produced and sold as a variety of souvenir items or decorative art, it is a fundamental part of Ifugao culture. Bulul plays an important role in the agriculture of the Ifugao people. It is involved in the ritualistic aspects of rice production, from rice planting to the safekeeping of the harvest in rice granaries. The sculpture is made mainly as a guardian of a rice granary. The process of creating a bulul includes the baki or a ritual by the mumbaki or priest to ensure its power. Careful selection of the wood is made and it is consecrated with pig's blood.



Sharing is caring, kailian!

We do hope you find something great in this story. If you find this helpful, please do share it with the people you care about.


Igorotage is a platform for people to share their thoughts and ideas. The views expressed on Igorotage are the opinions of the individual users, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Igorotage.

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts. No account yet?

What to learn next?

You might also like to read more related articles filed under Culture — or jump to a random article!

Culture Surprise me

The Ifugao Bulul: A Sacred Sculpture of the Ifugao People

Discover the rich history and cultural importance of Ifugao Bululs. Explore their symbolism and role in Ifugao society.

Sep 2 · 22 min read

Igorot Bahag: Cultural Significance and Challenges

Discover the Igorot bahag's rich history, symbolism, and its role in modern society. Learn about preservation efforts and cultural significance.

Sep 14 · 25 min read

Baguio City's Barrel Man: Unveiling the Iconic Filipino Souvenir

Explore the history, culture, and significance of Barrel Man in Baguio City. Learn about its unique design and preservation efforts.

Sep 4 · 13 min read

Update on Maura: Death at the St. Louis Fair, Brain Sent to Smithsonian Institution

Maura's remains were reportedly sent back to her homeland.

Aug 22 · 1 min read

Team Mumbaki Teaches How to Wear the Traditional Igorot Bahag

Learn how to wear the traditional Igorot bahag from Team Mumbaki. Just zoom in a little closer, it's not that HARD!

Aug 15 · 2 min read

The Binnadang Spirit: Igorot Men Tow Bus Across Cliff

A photo of Igorot men towing a bus through a dangerous steep cliff is a testament to the Igorot spirit of binnadang, a tradition of mutual aid.

Jul 25 · 4 min read

The Igorot Bahag: A Traditional Loincloth, Not a G-string

Learn about the bahag, a traditional Igorot loincloth that is often mistakenly referred to as a "g-string".

Jul 23 · 2 min read

The Igorot Traditional Clothing: Attire, Garb, or Costume?

Learn about the Igorot traditional clothing, and the debate on whether it is attire, garb, or costume.

Jul 23 · 4 min read

Igorot Man Raises Philippine Flag in Canada, Celebrating Heritage in Banff National Park

Seph Telino Organo, an Igorot man from the Philippines, proudly raised the Philippine flag in Canada's Banff National Park wearing traditional bahag.

Jul 20 · 3 min read

The Out of Taiwan Theory: How the Igorot People Are Linked to Ancient Austronesians

The Out of Taiwan theory links the Igorot people to ancient Austronesians. Learn more about this theory and its implications for the Igorot people.

Jul 14 · 4 min read