Very Folky Carved and Painted Bird on Base m. reich still attached to the hide)

still attached to the hide)

suggesting perhaps an annual ritual

early 19th century I would guess

Signed on the bottom but illegible

and died on 29 December 1973

Very Folky Carved and Painted Bird on Base m. reich still attached to the hide)A curious little bird, purchased from a dealer at Brimfield who is a consistently good source of curious carved things and because I love birds of every ilk. The carved beak on this one looks very ready to do some pecking, and I like its big silver painted eyes, and the folky awkwardness of the whole thing, resting on its bulge of a belly. Painted in a combination of dark red and gold and black that feels a bit reminiscent of grain painting, and with