Wood Figure of a Bird, Based

Long and low as a canoe, with a heavy curved beak and a few strands of beads hanging from it.

This figure of a bird dates to the 20th century and is carved from wood. Birds appear in carving across much of Africa and Southeast Asia, often as emblems of fertility, status or a link between earth and sky. The body is a long flat slab, lightly incised with lines that suggest folded wings. A rounded, capped head sits on a thick neck, and a broad down-curved beak projects forward hung with beads. It is mounted on a stand and measures 39 inches wide, 14 deep and 56 high.

It has no intention of flying, and seems at peace with that.