Choice Human-Effigy Ladle

Woodlands Native American, Great Lakes to Northeast, ca. mid 19th century.

Expertly and thinly carved from cherrywood using the woodworking skills and design language learned and passed down through generations. The back-facing effigy is a “reductive” representation of a man showing just his minimal essence, the carving possibly representing an honored ancestor.

Deep rich color to the cherrywood. Personal size at about 6 ½ inches long; bowl about 3 inches across. Superb condition; essentially mint.

From a fine southern collection of early woodenware, purchased years ago from Steve Powers.