{"product_id":"rare-primitive-ifugao-cordilleran-seated-spirit-figure","title":"Rare Primitive Ifugao \/ Cordilleran Seated Spirit Figure","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNorthern Luzon, Philippines, circa 1880–1900\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarved hardwood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e12” H × 4” W × 4¼” D\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptionally expressive late 19th-century carved hardwood figure attributed to the Ifugao peoples of the Cordillera highlands of Northern Luzon. Carved from a substantial single block, the figure displays the powerful abstraction and exaggerated proportions associated with early Cordilleran ritual sculpture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe remarkable seated pose features sharply raised knees, one extraordinarily elongated arm extending across them and the opposite hand resting against the cheek and chin—a posture documented among early Ifugao sculpture. Most striking is the enormous oval head with heavily lidded eyes, projecting nose, broad mouth and large simplified ears. Deeply incised fingers and toes, elongated limbs and dramatic negative spaces give this modest 12-inch figure a surprisingly monumental presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe carving relates closely to Ifugao anthropomorphic ritual sculpture, including bulul ancestral figures and smaller hipag spirit figures, and is best described as an early Cordilleran spirit or ancestral figure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEspecially desirable is the remarkably untouched surface, with a dry honey-to-deep-brown patina, darkened protected areas, visible hand-tool marks, old shrinkage checking and scattered minor insect activity. The underside retains broad hand-cut facets and deep oxidation consistent with considerable age and indigenous use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wonderfully primitive and intensely sculptural example of late 19th-century Philippine indigenous carving, with exceptional crossover appeal to collectors of ethnographic art, tribal sculpture and early folk art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Very good untouched condition with age-related wear, old checking, scattered minor insect holes and a long stable shrinkage check through the head. No significant restoration apparent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folkism Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67689740763245,"sku":null,"price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/1957\/4381\/files\/3477C4D9-08CB-4B04-9AB3-B265DFE25CFC.jpg?v=1791560131","url":"https:\/\/folkismantiques.com\/products\/rare-primitive-ifugao-cordilleran-seated-spirit-figure","provider":"Folkism Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}