Pelican Sculpture Appraisal

Carved Wooden Pelican Figurine

This is a hand-carved wooden figurine depicting a pelican, mounted on a solid, rustic base, likely a piece of a tree branch or trunk. The pelican itself exhibits a smooth, weathered-looking finish, suggesting either a natural aging process or an intentional antiqued treatment. Its color is a rich, warm brown, with visible wood grain patterns throughout the body, head, and long, distinctive beak. The eyes are represented by small, dark, possibly inlaid, circular pieces set into the head. The carving style appears to be somewhat stylized yet captures the essential form of a pelican with its characteristic long bill and a pouch indicated by the slight curve beneath the beak. The body is plump and rounded, smoothly transitioning into a gracefully curved neck. The carving shows a moderate level of detail, emphasizing the bird's silhouette rather than intricate feathering. The base is irregular and organic, presenting a naturalistic foundation for the sculpture. A notable condition issue is a repair at the neck, where the wood has been glued back together. This repair is visible as a lighter, possibly slightly uneven line or area where adhesive may have seeped or discolored the wood. The overall craftsmanship suggests a folk art or decorative piece, possibly from the mid to late 20th century, designed for display in a coastal or rustic-themed home. The quality is decent for a decorative folk art item, with manual carving evident in the slight imperfections and unique shaping. No specific maker's marks or signatures are discernible from the provided images.