Just to get away from the Carbon Flame War...

Does anyone out there recognize this wood carving? It's 13.5"wide x 10"high. The wood seems to be quite old with worm holes and old dry rot. The holes at each side show circular abrasions indicating a "bolt" type device used to fasten the carving to another surface.

It's been in my family since 1948, but was in my step father's rather eclectic antique collection for many years before that.

I figure enough folks see this web-site someone may have an idea.


Old Wood Carving

I'm adding a hand built ceramic version of the above carving that hangs on my fence. You reach into his mouth to pull the rope that opens the gate. He's The Guardian God of the Garden Gate.

Hand built ceramic piece.

Edited by redleader on 07/04/2008 14:01:00 MDT.

Find an Antiques Roadshow making a round somewhere and haul it in with the steamer trunk full of porcelean penguins you have up in the attic.

If I didn't know that the ARS is all a preplanned set up I'd do it. I've spent some time on the net looking of something like it to no avail.

Just a guess but could it be a GI's souvenir from the WWII Pacific Theater?

Christopher,
It could be but I don't think so. This was in the family since well before the war.

Try contacting the College of the Redwoods up in Humboldt County. They have an annual wood fair with carvers an artisans from all over. They might know someone who can steer you in the right direction. With the clover? on the headband and European eyes, could it be a Basque carving perhaps? Good luck. Interesting piece no matter where it came from though.

Ken,

Good idea. I'd never heard of the Wood Fair. Besides, if the weather was sunny it would be a great place to spend a weekend in the redwoods.

Is there dried blood on it, and can a human neck fit in the arc shape? If so, I'd bet it is a beheading tool from the Spanish Inquisition.

No signs of dried blood.

Here are some other views I just took in better light.

A lot of fountains in Europe squirt water out of the mouths of various creatures. Maybe your carving was designed to be attached above a pipe that spews water, such as the exit from a well pump, making it appear that the water was being spit out by the little man.