3 inch stone figurine thought to be early American?
small rock, stone carving of a doll thought to be early American? Found in Eastern Oklahoma Circa 1950. One leg chipped off. In the photograph it is wrapped in plastic (my mother did this as she thought would preserve it). Material: It appears to be terracotta or a similar unglazed ceramic. Size: Approximately 3 inches (judging by the ruler). Design: It looks like a figure reclining or possibly wrapped—could be Mesoamerican, Pre-Columbian, or folk art style. Coloration: The reddish tone and carving style are consistent with indigenous or early colonial artifacts from the American Southwest, Mexico, or Central America—not classic early American colonial furniture or tools.
3 inches
Inherited
Yes
Thank you for your submission. The figurine is very interesting. The form and facial details remind me of 1920-1930 lead figurine toys made by several UK companies of that time. However, I also wonder if it is a small, Spanish style clay statue used to place at christian catholic religious altars or decorate worship spaces.
Please, can you provide a weight of the item. And, also, if you have the time: several more images of the back, sides, and lower loss area.
On storage:
No matter what material your statue is made from, I suggest removing the figure from the plastic wrap. You can purchase a small amount of acid free tissue to wrap and store you example in a small box from an artist supply or jewelry store. Read more on terracotta here: https://fineart-restoration.co.uk/news/baked-earth-terracotta-care-and-professional-restoration/
I look forward to your response.
Thank you,
Amber
