Carved and Paint Decorated Folk Art Articulated Figure

This handmade folk art figurine was probably made by an African-American carver, possibly a slave, in all probability as a toy for a black child to play with. It is relatively sympathetic in its rendering, and lacks the over-exaggerated and pejorative feature often seen on black figures of this period. Demonstrating an abstract realism, it is an extremely fine example and is highly desirable to collectors of black memorabilia and folk art.

For a more extensive discussion of African-American figures and toys, see Douglas Congdon-Martin, Images in Black: 150 Years of Black Collectibles (West Chester, PA, 1990), pp. 4-21.

Provenance:
Personal collection of Howard and Catherine Feldman

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