The bulul always brings to mind the days I spent in Baguio City. To me, this wooden effigy is an iconic symbol, deeply embedded in the culture of the Summer Capital of the Philippines and the neighboring towns of the Cordillera Region.
To the uninitiated, the bulul might appear as just a souvenir, a simple sculpture meant to be taken home as a pasalubong. But for those of us who have lived in the region, its cultural significance runs far deeper, resonating with us on a more personal level.
Known as the guardians of the granaries, the wooden figures are believed to be vessels of the ancestor spirits, who ensure good harvests and protect the rice fields against pests.
The creation of a bulul is a delicate and intricate process, involving several steps that require skill and spiritual devotion. It begins with the careful selection of a tree, followed by the harvesting of wood, and then the carving of the figure. Throughout this process, the Ifugao people perform rites and prayers to ensure that the spirit of their ancestors enters the vessel.
Most carvers use wood from the Narra tree, which holds significant meaning in local cosmology, symbolizing health, happiness, and prosperity. Once the wood is selected, the carving begins. Depending on the design, crafting a bulul can take several weeks. Each town in the Cordillera region has its own distinctive style. For example, bulul from Hapao often features a rectangular, mortar-shaped base with a deep groove in the center.
Research shows that bulul can be either standing or seated. Standing bulul typically have arms held straight at their sides, while seated bulul have arms resting on bent knees. Most bulul we encounter today are bald, though a few still feature human hair or ridges around the head resembling hair. Some have holes in their earlobes, where rice stalks are inserted as part of their ritual significance.
Once the carving is complete, the bulul undergoes a sacred ritual conducted by a local shaman, who recites the myth of Humidhid, the deity of the bulul. The figure is then bathed in the blood of a sacrificial pig, marking its transition from being tag-tagu (human figures) to a sacred object.
After the ritual, the bulul remains in the home of the commissioner until it is transferred to the granary. Bulul are typically crafted in pairs – one male and one female – symbolizing balance and harmony in the household. During harvest season, the bulul are brought back into the house, where they are presented with offerings.
In recent years, there have been changes in bulul production. Because creating “original bulul” (those which underwent rituals) is quite tedious and expensive, modern-day production is often re-appropriated, especially with the commercial and tourism demand.
The carving industry in Cordillera also faces challenges, particularly the dwindling number of skilled artisans who possess the knowledge and expertise to continue the tradition. As the older generation of carvers passes away, the risk of losing this invaluable cultural heritage becomes increasingly imminent.
In a recent episode of Humans of the North, the NLEX Corporation’s award-winning digital series delves into the dying art of wood carving in Banaue, Ifugao.
The captivating episode, titled “Pag-ukit ng Pamana,” features Santos Bayucca, a passionate advocate for preserving the bulul tradition. The founder of Lagud Museum and Café, a space dedicated to showcasing and safeguarding ancient wooden carvings, Bayucca teaches young Ifugao children the art of wood carving and passes the knowledge to a new generation of carvers.
“Kapag nawala ang woodcarving dito sa Ifugao, malaki ang mawawala sa kultura namin. Namamatay na ‘yung mga matatanda, kaya posibleng mawala na ang tradisyon dahil sa walang magtuturo sa mga bata,” Bayucca shared.
The episode takes viewers on a journey through the intricate process of wood carving, tracing its origins 800 years ago. It highlights the delicate handwork involved in creating intricate designs and explores the symbolic significance of carved pieces, especially the bulul.
Through interviews with master carvers and young apprentices, the episode looks into the challenges and rewards of preserving the carving tradition. It showcases the passion, skill, and dedication of those working to keep this art form alive for future generations.
NLEX Corporation, through Humans of the North, aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and inspire viewers to support the efforts of these dedicated artisans.
