United States, Southern states, 19th century. An American folk art wooden walking stick, signed "JMS" at the upper end, that was hand-carved from a single gnarled branch with nine faces - perhaps intended to represent nature spirits - delineated in high relief and carved from the original branch's limbs. Each face presents an amusing, almost grotesque character. From top to bottom: a long-nosed, wide-eyed visage with a toothy grin; next, a bearded fellow and a laughing face behind him; two more back-to-back entities with wide-open mouths as if singing or shouting; a red-capped, cocked head with an upturned nose; an amusing fellow sticking out his tongue; and finally, two more back-to-back faces with pointy caps, one painted red with black polka dots. Size: 35.375" H (89.9 cm); 35.625" H (90.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: J Compton Gallery, Wimberley, Texas, USA

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#167221

Signed "JMS" at the upper end. Minute loss to tip of nose of the figure with the black polka dotted red cap. Otherwise, just normal age wear and intact. Comes with custom stand.