Religious rites accompany every significant phase of Ifugao life and provide a means by which the unknown or unexplained can be approached and understood. Ifugao religion is a vastly complex structure based on ancestor worship, animism and magical power. The Ifugao pantheon consists of innumerable spiritual entities that represent natural elements, forces and phenomena in addition to ancestral and methphysical beings. The trust and confidence that the Ifugao have in these beings allow them to face what is often a complex and frightening world with a great deal of confidence and understanding. They believe that the gods and other beings are approachable and can be influenced by the proper rites and behavior to intercede on behalf of an individual or the entire community. Generally the gods are viewed as generous and benign beings who enjoy feasting, drinking wine and chewing betel nut, as do the Ifugao themselves. However, the gods are quick to anger and if ignored or treated badly can quickly become ill-tempered, demanding tyrants capable of causing misfortune and injury. The Ifugao have created an extensive ceremonial cycle in which their deities are honored and feted (such ceremonies also ensure their support and cooperation). Some deities, although acknowledged, are rarely if ever called upon; others with influence over such daily matters as agriculture, health or fighting are in constant demand. Of perhaps the greatest importance to the Ifugao are rice or agricultural deities which have the power to ensure bountiful crops and actually increase the amount of rice already in storage. To accommodate these plenipotent and often voracious spirits, an Ifugao farmer will hire a community artisan to carve a pair of wooden effigies (known as Bululs) which serve as a temporary earthly home to which the rice dieties can be drawn. Although Bululs (usually male and female together) are expensive and are viewed as notoriously demanding, they are considered a wise investment because of their power to augment rice production. While Bululs and other such effigies are treated as purely functional objects, they are nevertheless handsome and powerful forms that reflect the Ifugaos' inborn appreciation of aesthetics. The creative energy of the Ifugao embodies the values and principles of their deep involvement with agriculture, status and ancestor veneration as well as their relationship with natural and supernatural forces. Art (although the Ifugao would not define it as such) is an integrated part of daily and ceremonial life. The Ifugao are highly skillled craftsmen renowned for their creations which in form and function have been refined over generations. Enjoyment is derived from objects that are both functional and pleasing to the eye even such utilitarian items as baskets, spoons and bowls are as handsomely crafted as are artifacts and effigies made for the gods. Although secular and religious objects share many of the same images and decorative elements, only those specifically intended for ceremonial use are ritually empowered and in a sense, given life.