CORDILLERA mountain range in Northern Luzon, Philippines, is home to six ethno-linguistic tribes known as the Ibaloy, Kankanay, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and Bontoc. These proud indigenous people successfully resisted lowland cultural and economic invasion well into the first quarter of the twentieth century thus preserving the purity of their heritage. The Ifugaos, in particular, have caught the art world's attention with their primitive sculptures that exude remarkable artistry and power.

As closely as the Ifugao is associated with the rice terraces -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- the life of these mountain people is inextricably linked with rice agriculture. To this, the Bul-ul plays a paramount role in the rites and rituals of the village life and its economy.

Bul-ul images are carved mostly of local hardwoods such as narra, yakal and ipil. Not all families own bul-ul. The possession of sufficient rice land which is the Ifugao gauge of wealth -- to be able to afford the considerable expense incurred in bul-ul carving and consecration (chicken, pigs and local buffaloes are sacrificed), limits their ownership.

Igorot sculptors did not aim at polished perfection or surface refinement. Their purpose instead was to emphasize the spiritual quality and power of the deity. Bul-uls exude a potent magical presence.

Carved usually in pairs by a senior "priest," chanting and feating accompanies the carving ritual that last for days. The bul-uls are rubbed with rice cakes and wine or smeared with animal blood. This is to implore the rice gods to enter the wooden carvings and 'charge' them with supernatural powers of protecting the rice grains. They place these inside the granaries to watch over the rice harvest until the celebration rituals of the next harvest.

Note: The midi music playing on this page is called "Lumagen" which is a dance performed at Kalinga festivals to celebrate Thanksgiving.

The music here is courtesy of Mr. Noel F Tamayo whose website Philippine Folkdances is a major find for us. Traditional Filipino music is not common in the Web and we are glad to stumble on Noel's site while putting together this page. A wonderful and highly recommended site.