Vintage Hand-Carved Ifugao Bulul Rice God Sculpture

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Description

An exceptionally large and striking mid-century Ifugao Bulul (rice god) sculptureoriginating from the Cordillera region of Northern Luzon, Philippines. Standing … Read more An exceptionally large and striking mid-century Ifugao Bulul (rice god) sculptureoriginating from the Cordillera region of Northern Luzon, Philippines. Standing at an impressive 29 7/8 inches tall, this monumental figure is entirely hewn from a single, massive piece of dense tropical hardwood (likely narra or ipil) and mounted on a simple, dark gallery display base.

This specific carving represents the female figure of a traditional ritual pair. It features the distinctive, highly stylized characteristics of the Mayoyao region master carvers, including minimalist "box" or squared-off ears, deep vertically incised parallel hair grooves covering the crown, and a pronounced, stylized protruding umbilical navel (pusod) symbolizing ancestral lineage.

The anatomy is beautifully rendered with strong cubist lines, showcasing primitive, blocky feet with deeply chiseled toes and a powerful crouching posture.

The wood exhibits a wonderful, authentic aged texture with dramatic vertical checking and a deep, naturally weathered charcoal-and-brown patina. Evocative, sculptural, and packed with cultural presence, this large-scale tribal piece makes a spectacular, high-impact statement for global, eclectic, or modern organic interiors.

Provenance: Obtained from a private collection. See less