Pili : The Guardian Spirit

PILI

In Ifugao belief, The Pili are guardian spirits invoked to watch over a property against thieves and trespassers. Accompanied by a spirit dog, a pili bites anyone who steals or trespasses its charge. Its bite will become swollen and can only be healed through a ritual involving the sacrifice of a chicken.

Commissioned artwork for The Spirits of the Philippine Archipelago