Folk Art Cane with Carved Relief Figures c. 1930s-40s

I wish I knew the story behind the imagery in this curious old folk art cane. The piece is signed G M — presumable the maker — who decorated the cane with the figures of six rather dapper looking gentlemen, two quirky birds, and two deer heads — all relief-carved, as the photos show, with considerable skill. Made of varnished wood, the cane is 31-1/2” long and has a wonderful patina. Again, as the photos show, condition is excellent with a few modest cracks near the tip. As an aside, the rendering of the figures in this piece, with its stylized male profiles, reminds me of the work of Bill Traylor in that they share a similar whimsical, folky charm.

$695

Click any image to enlarge it.