Traditional Circle of Friends Candle Holder

This is a hand-crafted 'Circle of Friends' decorative sculpture, commonly utilized as a candle holder. The piece is constructed from earthenware terracotta clay, featuring five stylized human figures linked together by their arms in a continuous circular embrace around a central bowl or well. The figures exhibit folk-art characteristics including simple facial features, round heads, and chunky torsos. The surface is finished with a rustic reddish-orange slip or wash that has been deliberately weathered or aged. Notable physical characteristics include the integrated circular base and the way the arms are fused to the neighboring figures' shoulders, creating a structural ring. The condition appears well-used with a significant amount of surface patina, dust accumulation, and visible white mineral deposits or 'efflorescence' typical of unglazed clay exposed to moisture. There are areas of visible wear where the red pigment has rubbed away to reveal the lighter tan clay beneath, particularly on the heads and arms. While the style mimics ancient Pre-Columbian artifacts, this is a modern folk-art creation, likely from the late 20th century. The quality is indicative of standard souvenir-grade pottery, characterized by its heavy, thick-walled construction and irregular, hand-molded textures rather than fine porcelain refinement.