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Lot 005 - Vintage Folk Art Painted Animal Vertebra Figure, Priest Flanked by Two Figures, Heavy Paint Loss Throughout, 5-1/2" H
A vintage folk art figure constructed from a single large animal vertebra, painted to depict a central robed priest figure flanked by two smaller figures, one on each side. The central face is rendered with painted eyes, brows, and pink-toned flesh, with a black robe indicated across the body of the bone. The two flanking figures, formed by the lateral processes of the vertebra, are painted with faces showing eyes and open mouths with red detailing. The natural form of the bone provides the outstretched arms and wing-like extensions of the composition. The species of animal is unidentified.
The paint surface shows heavy losses throughout, with significant flaking and abrasion across the black robe area and substantial loss to the lower half of the central face. The bone itself shows surface wear and minor chipping at the extremities.
Dimensions: 4" L x 4" W x 5-1/2" H
Dimensions for this lot are estimated and not exact.