Male and Female Both: Paired Gendered Bululs to Support Agricultural Prosperity

Armand Camhol explains the connection between bulul figures and rice cultivation.Traditionally, when a couple commissioned bulul to help ensure abundant harvests, the carvings were made in male–female pairs that mirrored the couple. This pairing invited complementary spiritual entities—one male, one female—to inhabit the figures.The duality reflected harmony in both the household and the rice cycle, reinforcing the belief that balance between male and female forces supports prosperity in farming.

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    PERSON

  • Armand Camhol with short hair and a thin mustache, wearing a grey button up shirt

    Armand

    Camhol

    Doctoral Candidate

    National Chengchi University in Taiwan