20th C. Ifugao Wood Church Guardian Figure

**First Time At Auction**

Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Luzon, Ifugao, ca. mid 20th century CE. A well-preserved example of a hand-carved wooden figure in the style of the bulal, a guardian of the rice crop. He has a simple form: a standing anthropomorphic figure with an oval face, emphasized shoulders, and a slim body. The incised face includes wide eyes, a triangular nose, and a petite, straight mouth. Carved into the front of the chest is text: "Ni Sunduk Hi Sahibad". This figure would have been a guardian figure in front of a Christian church, combining pre-Christian sculpture styles with the Christian religion that missionaries brought to the island. Size: 7.45" W x 30" H (18.9 cm x 76.2 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-K. Klassen collection, Washington, USA

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#139321
Condition Report: Text on front reads, "Ni Sunduk Hi Sahibad". Intact, with the wood slightly weathered, notably at a stable fissure down from the top of the head. Details are still clear. Rich patina on wood surface.