Carnivalesque Old Carved Pine Ball in Cage Whimsy with Four Round Feet mid-century piggy bank but I suppose it was

but I suppose it was worn over layers--perhaps the parka of an Arctic explorer

which immediately reminded me of the powerful portraits of South African born

I've bought and sold a lot of carved whimsies

for Nacco Dyes

Carnivalesque Old Carved Pine Ball in Cage Whimsy with Four Round Feet mid-century piggy bank but I suppose it wasA large one and a fun one, with the round finial and four round feet feeling like very playful reiterations of the ball inside the cage. I keep thinking of it carnivalesque, with the form a little like the "big top" itself or like a cage on wheels with wild animal inside! Carved of pine and very well done, with a strong sculptural presence. 7" t x 2 11 16" w x 2 11 16" w. Earlier 20th century, nice dry patina. There is one old very well done repair to