Ifugao people
Mayoyao region, Luzon, Philippines  

Seated guardian figure with bowl [duyu or tangungu] 19th-early 20th century
wood
33.5 (h) x 25.5 (w) x 23.5 (d) cm
Purchased 2010
National Gallery of Australia, Canberra
NGA 2010.87

Animist communities of the northern Philippines create fine wooden vessels for religious rites and for celebratory feasts sponsored by wealthy families. This bowl, protectively embraced by a human figure, may have been used to store rice wine, offerings or medicines during ceremonies.