Deity figure

Bulul figures represent deified ancestors. They were believed to be inhabited by living spirits which if properly looked after could keep away disease and misfortune. Bulul were often stored in rice granaries where they were believed to keep away marauding vermin and evil spirits alike. Figures carved in a squatting position are a widespread and archaic style common to many indigenous peoples around island Southeast Asia.

See related items

Figure of deity

Figure of a seated deity

Household deity figure

A man painting a paper deity figure