Bulul

Philippines is well known to its culture and beliefs that varies in many regions within the country
by many aspects such as tribes, location of the region and more. Many creations dedicated to each
tribes were made and caught attention to many due to how artistically made as a sculpture made out of
wood. However, there are more stories to tell behind these pieces rather than seeing its physical
beauty. To discuss this, Bulul is used as an example.

Bulul was made into a figure, whether it is a man or a woman, either sitting or standing and
other figures are holding a big bowl. Ifugao takes pride to Bulul, not only because it was noticed by many
people outside their circle but instead it is one of the significance of their beliefs that kept them going
through life. With many people within the tribe depends on their natural resources, Bulul is believed to
be their ancestors that resides in this figure that guards their harvests. Moreover, it is especially made to
guard rice as it is mainly the Ifugao’s source of income considering they are also known for their rice
terraces.

To conclude everything, different interpretation of the significance of Bulul arises from different
places. These beliefs are based on their different cultures. Some may say that it is the guardian of the
rice fields and some other says that inside the bulul are their ancestor’s spirits that helps them during
harvest. Indeed Philippines has many different cultures and beliefs. Filipinos are unique in their own
way.

Standing rice deity (bulul), 20th century by Ifugao. (n.d.). Artgallery.Nsw.Gov.Au.

https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/collection/works/219.2005/

Biblioteca Museu Víctor Balaguer. (2019, July 26). Bul-ul.

https://www.victorbalaguer.cat/en/bulul-en/