Skip to main content »
Igorotage

Bulul: The Ifugao's Rice God or Guardian Spirit

The Bulul is an Ifugao anthropomorphic carving that symbolizes an Ifugao rice god or guardian spirits.

 |  2 min read

Bulul, Ifugao rice god or guardian spirits

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.

A Bulul has a simplified shape of a human being, whether male or female. It consists of a simplified head, a torso, and a pair of hands and legs mounted on a platform for stability.

It is carved out of strong narra or ipil wood and sometimes stone. Sizes also vary, depending on its use. Bululs are usually made in pairs, a male and a female, but some are done individually.

This traditional art form may seem crude, lacking in sophistication, but it has been praised as a fine example of abstract art.

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 up 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.

A big granary may require two bululs. There is no standard size although manageability in carrying it in and out of the granary is a consideration. A wealthy kadangyan or noble may have more than one bulul in his house or granary. It is regarded with care and respect. Treating it otherwise is believed to result in hostile manifestations such as sickness and pestilence from the spirits or ancestors.

Bulul is an Ifugao anthropomorphic carving that symbolizes an Ifugao rice god or guardian spirits

When used in rituals, it is to be properly positioned in front of the rice produce. The male bulul is placed at the right and the female at the left. The bulul is touched by hands dipped in chicken or pig's blood in what is called a tunod ritual during the rice planting season.

Occasionally, ornamentations may be placed on the bulul. For the male bulul, a g-string and for the female, a tapis or a waistcloth, with earrings and anklets to match.

Credits:

  • Michael Gabriel L. Sumastre
  • @ericbanes
  • @meaningfultravelsph

Full blooded Igorot


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 Traditional Arts and Crafts — or jump to a random article!

Traditional Arts and Crafts Surprise me

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.

Oct 21, 2022 · 2 min read

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, 2023 · 22 min read

Ifugao PNP Donates Financial Aid to Victims of Typhoon Ulysses

Ifugao Provincial Police Office donates a total of P135,000.00 financial aid to victims of typhoon Ulysses in the province.

Nov 19, 2020 · 2 min read

Sky Weavers: Ifugao Textile makes it to TENUN Fashion Week

Ifugao textile made its way to the international fashion scene highlighting indigenous weaving in the Southeast Asian Region.

Oct 23, 2021 · 2 min read

Binnadang: Banaue People Builds New House for Poor Ifugao Family

Through Binnadang, Banaue people led by the Banaue PNP builds a new two-bedroom house for a poor family of nine in Ifugao.

Sep 28, 2020 · 5 min read

Gracelyn Joy C. Taguiling: Ifugao's Pride, Award-Winning Global Advocate for Mental Health

Gracelyn Joy C. Taguiling, psychology graduate from Ifugao, clinches awards at the 3rd International Authors' Summit.

Jan 6 · 2 min read

Kabunian and the Deities in Igorot Culture: Exploring Igorot Gods

Explore the enchanting world of Igorot deities, where Kabunian, the supreme deity, reigns supreme.

Oct 30, 2023 · 20 min read

Tomlinson Stone Hagabi in Ifugao Bids to be National Treasure

Ifugao's Tomlinson Stone Hagabi, a century-old ceremonial bench carved from a single stone, is vying for declaration as a National Treasure.

Sep 14, 2023 · 2 min read

The First Female Igorot Pilot in the Philippine National Police

PMAJ Jonalyn B. Malnat, a proud Igorota from Ifugao, is the first female Igorot pilot in the Philippine National Police.

Nov 7, 2021 · 3 min read

Ifugao Project Officer Snatches Outstanding Youth Formation Award in Gawad Siklab 2021

Genevieve B. Camhit bagged the Most Outstanding Division YFC Award (Medium Category) in Gawad Siklab 2021.

Oct 18, 2021 · 1 min read