Marlon Martin explains that a carved figure becomes a bulul only after undergoing a formal consecration ritual. Without activation, the figures remain ordinary wood carvings. The bulul ritual involves specific rites tied to the intended purpose of the figure, culminating in spirit possession—often when a mumbaki or a member of the crowd is taken by the spirit of the bulul. This moment confirms that the wooden figure has been successfully consecrated and is no longer merely a statue.