The origin of the bulul wooden figures can be traced to the story of Namtogan, an important myth passed orally and recited by mumbaki during rituals.
Apr 22, 2019 | 2 min read
The “bu’lul” (gods) used to come to “Pugaw” (earth) in their natural form from their home in “dalum” (the underworld). Their existence as wooden figures, however, can be traced to the story of Namtogan, an important myth passed orally and recited by “mumbaki” (priests) during rituals.
Namtogan is the only indigenous Filipino divinity with a physical disability. He is a paraplegic who is usually represented seated with arms over bent knees.
In the myth, Namtogan visited Pugaw (now Ifugao province) and married a mortal woman from Barangay Ahin in Tinoc town. Because he was disabled, the community took care of his needs, feeding and bathing him. His stay made Ahin prosper – its rice harvest became bountiful and the community livestock doubled. But the good fortune made the villagers neglect the bu’lul. Angered, Namtogan crawled away from the village, cursing the community. He then cast himself into the river flowing toward Kiangan town.
Soon after, plagues struck Tinoc, making the villagers realize their prosperity was tied to the bu’lul. The remorseful people searched for the bu’lul until they reached the Old Kiyyangan village near the Ibulao River, where they found Namtogan nestled in a large balete tree. The people persuaded Namtogan to return and undo the curse, but the god refused. He, however, instructed them to take a branch of the tree and carve his image. He also taught them about rituals and sacrifices they would need to perform in every phase of the rice cycle. The people of Ahin heeded the directives and the curse was lifted. Since then, the culture and tradition of the bu’lul had spread.
Standing bu’lul are usually regarded as granary sentinels while squatting bu’lul are cherished for healing and for ensuring bountiful harvests.
Credits:
- Karlston Lapniten
- University Museum & Art Gallery
Sign in to share your thoughts. No account yet?
Ifugao Provincial Police Office donates a total of P135,000.00 financial aid to victims of typhoon Ulysses in the province.
Celestine Halen Paddapad, a 4PS monitored child and a model student from Hungduan, Ifugao receives a laptop computer.
Ifugao textile made its way to the international fashion scene highlighting indigenous weaving in the Southeast Asian Region.
Through Binnadang, Banaue people led by the Banaue PNP builds a new two-bedroom house for a poor family of nine in Ifugao.
PMAJ Jonalyn B. Malnat, a proud Igorota from Ifugao, is the first female Igorot pilot in the Philippine National Police.
Genevieve B. Camhit bagged the Most Outstanding Division YFC Award (Medium Category) in Gawad Siklab 2021.
Police Lieutenant John Smith Binwag, an Igorot from Ifugao, tops elite Philippine Scout Rangers Class 211-2020.
Rear Admiral Toribio Dulinayan Adaci Jr, Igorot from Ifugao, is Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.
A dedicated grade-school teacher in Ifugao follows her pupils to the farm to help with their modules.
106-year-old Igorot centenarian from Ifugao and a resident of Baguio City is the oldest COVID-19 survivor in the country.
You might also like to read more related articles filed under Culture — or jump to a random article!
Culture Surprise me
Igorotage is the first and only Igorot community on the web. We’re sorry but if you are an Igorot and not a member of Igorotage, what are you doing!?
Join the community About us
Don’t miss anything important from the Igorot community! Each week, we curate the best new information and deliver it directly to your inbox every Sunday morning.