Marlon Martin explains that a carved figure becomes a bulul only after undergoing a formal consecration ritual. Without activation, he notes, 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.