House god "galgawan-en" · Philippines - Ifugao · ID: 3041475
not available anymore
Provenance
Old British CollectionSize
H: 48 cm
H: 18.9 inch
Description
wood, blackish brown patina, prominent mouth opening, originally inserted cowrie shell missing, rising from massive base with grooved decor, slightly dam. (ears), cracks, abrasion of paint;
such figures are carved whenever a new house is built. Later they are consecrated and kept in the house for tutelary purposes. They are invoked to watch over domestic activities and little children.
Comparing literature
Anderson, Eric Moltzau, In the shape of tradition, Leiden 2010, p. 95 ff.