American Indian Whirligig. Probably New England, c. 1870

Description

Wood, zinc, and copper with original paint
Figure height 17 inches, Overall height 23 inches

There appear to be four known American Indian whirligigs created by this
important unidentified artist. They all have similar physical
characteristics and are interestingly ornamented with zinc, copper, and tin
outfits and headdresses. Of the four known examples, the first is in the
collection of the Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, Vermont; the second is in the
collection of Isabel and Harvey Kahn, New York; the third formerly in the
collection of the late Bernard M. Barenholtz, New York, and the example
presented here.

Reference:
Important American Folk Art from the collection of the late Bernard
Barenholtz, Sotheby’s, New York, January 27, 1990 Lot 1744.

Roger Ricco and Frank Maresca American Primitive discoveries in folk
sculpture (1988), p.127, Fig. 172.

Charles Klamkin, Weathervanes the history, manufacturer and design of an
American Folk Art (1973), p. 198

Time Life Books, American Country Folk Art (1990), p.130.