Figure "hipag" · Philippines - Ifugao · ID: 3040155
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, seated figure with clearly defined shapes, slightly dam. (nose), abrasion of paint, base;
“hipag” figures in human form are essentially miniature versions of granary figures. “Hipag” are minor war deities and are invoked during ceremonies dealing with violence and aggressive actions. These deities are firmly associated with headhunting and sorcery, and they may also be the source and/or cure of disease or other afflictions. These figures serve as the vehicles through which certain “hipag” deities are called to the aid of their owner. Great power resides in them and they are ritually smeared with the blood of sacrificial animals whenever their presence is required.
The object Figure “hipag” with the object ID 3040155 was last part of the auction 82nd Tribal Art Auction at February 27, 2016 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 3 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,200.
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Comparing literature
Casino, Eric S., The people and art of the Philippines, Los Angeles 1981, p. 194