Lot #48: Carved & Painted Wooden Figural Walking Stick / Folk Art Staff, 38”

Striking hand-carved and painted wooden walking stick / folk-art staff featuring an exceptionally detailed series of carved and painted elements along its full length. The approximately 38” tall wooden staff is extensively carved into a highly unusual composition featuring multiple human figures, faces, geometric forms and decorative motifs. The upper section terminates in a carved female figure with a stylized face, black hair, painted red lips, carved breasts and a rounded abdomen, followed by additional carved and painted figures and forms extending down the shaft. The staff is richly decorated in a vivid palette of brown, natural wood, black, deep green, red, yellow/gold, cream/ivory and touches of grey, with numerous individually carved raised elements picked out in contrasting paint. Details include carved facial features, hair, clothing or body adornments, geometric bands, rectangular and diamond-shaped motifs, decorative panels and a prominent elongated green-and-yellow painted carved motif running along the lower shaft. Several sections incorporate spiral/carved relief details, while the upper and middle portions feature stacked figural and geometric carvings, giving the piece an almost totemic or sculptural appearance. The extensive hand-carved irregularities and varied painted details contribute to its character and suggest a highly individual, handmade folk-art object. The lower end remains shaped as a functional walking-stick point, although condition and construction should be carefully considered before use as a walking aid. Condition: Overall antique/vintage handmade condition with numerous areas of paint wear, scratches, chips, abrasions and surface wear consistent with age and handling. Some carved details have minor losses and/or rough edges. Paint remains particularly vibrant in areas of red, green, yellow/gold, black and cream. Please examine all photographs closely for condition and detail. Measurements: Approximately 40” long. Please note: This is being offered as a decorative carved wooden walking stick / folk-art object. No specific maker, date or cultural attribution is provided. CC Pickup category timeslot {A}