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78

Seated Shaman Bulul in "Trance"

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Asian Antiques Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:700.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Seated Shaman Bulul in Trance
Online Auction only, with advance bids accepted at iCollector and at the Gallery. No live bidding
in the Gallery, and tie bids go to the earliest bidder. All proceeds will go 100% to the World Peace Foundation Building Fund of Hadley, MA.
From the Bayungan group of the Banaue sub-tribe of the Ifugao, this skinny-style Bulul dates to about 1900. Classic pose of the shaman-priest when he goes into trance, Bululs were believed to attract a deceased spirit of ones ancestor who would come and reside in it to advise the shaman about tribal problems and would look over and protect the owners property - especially the granary and home (mostly from fire). A heavy "blood patina" covers the surface, which is placed during ritual to enhance its effectiveness. Tribals drink the blood of their animals so they believe their ancestral spirits would appreciate such an offering. 23-1/2" tall including base, its previous owners name was Piw-wit and the condition is exceptional with no cracking or damage. The underside of a Bulul is important since new ones are smooth and sometimes polished and show no eating-away by dry rot, insects or rodents (who like the blood or wine patina taste!). This one shows some mild insect or dry rot - a good indication of its age. Plate 182 of the UCLA catalog shows a Bulul with similar thin construction and pose....but a different (and likely later) face.
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